Make: Paper Inventions

by Kathy Ceceri

Paper is incredible stuff. It's easy to cut, but incredibly strong. It's disposable, but can last for centuries. It can stand as stiff as a board, pop up like a spring, or float like a leaf. And its invention changed the world forever. Perfect for kids, parents, and educators, Paper Inventions is a project-based book with full color illustrations, step-by-step instructions, supply lists, and templates that allow you to follow along with the book or devise something entirely new. Each chapter features new projects that will challenge and intrigue everyone, from beginning to experienced Makers. In this book, you'll learn to

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology, Crafts

130 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Kathy Ceceri is the author of STEAM books for kids and families including "Making Simple Robots," "Musical Inventions," and "Paper Inventions" from the publishers of Make magazine, and "BOTS" and "Video Games: Design and Code Your Own Adventure" from Nomad Press. Online, she was the Homeschooling Expert for Thoughtco, a founding editor of GeekMom.com, and a top writer for Wired's GeekDad blog. When she's not busy writing, Kathy presents hands-on workshops for students and educators.

Reviews

[Peter Backx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make: Paper Inventions contains a very wide range of paper projects that are going to keep you busy for a very long time. I only did about a third of the projects and it took me 10 months.

The book should be seen as an introduction: you get to sample all kinds of different things. By the end of the book, you’ll know what you like and what you want to do more of.

I personally really like the electronics and will most definitely do more of these.

If you even have a remote interest in paper, go get this book. It’s cheap and it will entertain you and your family for a long long time.

Example projects I made can be seen on my blog:
http://www.streamhead.com/make-paper-...

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.

I think this book is a great introduction to making with paper. The book introduces interesting concepts like drawable circuits and paper based automatons that can be expanded upon using a maker's fertile imagination/google. I never considered these kinds of projects prior to reading this book. I found this book much more inspiring than other similar books.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much about math, science, and engineering from this book! I've previously mentioned here on my blog that I was not a S.T.E.M. girl back in my school days. Reading, writing, and the arts were where my enthusiasm and interests were focused. When I read these middle-grade books as an adult, I find myself learning a lot of information I didn't previously know. I consider myself a lifelong learner in the purest sense of the phrase.

Here are some of the things I learned in this book:

1.) In the Paper Science chapter I learned about the history of paper including the fact that about two thousand years ago a Chinese official named Ts'ai Lun invented a process for making paper for drawing and writing using mulberry bark, old rags, and netting.

2.) In the Paper Structures chapter I learned triangles are the strongest shapes of all. The Tabletop Tetrahedron project, compared to a mini pyramid by the author, is a fractal. Since I'm not familiar with the term fractal, I was pleased the author included the definition in the text.

3.) The Geodesic Dome project made out of newspaper was one of my favorite projects presented in this book. Here I learned that geodesic domes are stronger than regular building shapes because they are made of triangles {see #2 above} with the addition of having the strength of rounded arches. Easy-peasy!

My favorite chapter was chapter 4--'3-D Paper Art'. The photos and stepped-out instructions for the quilling and weaving paper projects are exceptional. These projects would be fun for families, youth/camp/scout groups, and friends to work on together. The back matter includes templates for many of the projects and an index.

Overall, an excellent middle-grade or high school read to be used in the classroom and at other gatherings of youth. Highly recommended!
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DISCLOSURE FROM BLOGGER: I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review of the book. I received no compensation for my post here or on any other site.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Anyone looking for great projects for kids (or themselves!) will enjoy this book! paper is a super cheap craft supply and readily at hand, in most cases. I've made a few of these projects, some will require more skills, and supplies, than others, but are sooo worth it! From making your own paper to paper circuits to everything in between! There is something that is sure to appeal everytone looking for ideas in this book.

[NayDoubleU · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super excited

Super excited to try the light up paper. Looks super fun and led to different ideas to implement it. Cant wait

[Brent Newhall]

A fun collection of easy projects to make with paper, many involving some kind of simple electronics.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Marcia Van Camp]

Eldest read

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun ideas

I'll have to try some of these at my library. Good instructions and diagrams. I especially want to try the generator.