Handmade Houseplants: Remarkably Realistic Plants You Can Make with Paper

by Corrie Beth Hogg, Christine Han (Photographer)

One of Library Journal ’s Best Books of 2018

In  Handmade Houseplants , expert crafter and tastemaker Corrie Beth Hogg offers a no-water option for your urban plants made from paper! This stylish guide includes step-by-step instructions and templates for making 30 of the most popular houseplants, from monstera and peperomia to fiddle leaf fig and philodendron. Additional projects show how to use paper plants for home décor, wall art, holiday decorations, gift giving, and more. The projects are simple enough to be made in few hours and the materials are affordable and easy to find. Packed with colorful photos and filled with inspiration,  Handmade Houseplants  shows how paper plants can provide a modern, light-hearted touch to a well-designed home.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, How To

300 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a couple of tiny paper plants in my office at work, as my window doesn't get direct sunlight - but they're tiny, as stated, and in the quest for more friendly foliage, I thought this book might do the trick.

There are very, very thorough instructions for each plant, a list of tools and materials right at the beginning, and lovely photos of each finished project. These paper projects are designed to replicate real plants, but it would be easy to adapt some of the plans to make some fantastical pieces. A great book for anyone interested in plants, papercraft, or both!

I received access to this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning craft book on how to create beautiful paper plants.

I always LOVED paper plants, but never found a good book that didn't only make tiny ones OR where more on the gift decoration spectrum instead of actual individual plants that were supposed to replace actual real plants.

This book certainly offers a lot of options as well as easy to follow instructions -in words AND pictures- for most steps. There are also templets provided to print out -in the ebook version i have!- which makes it all even easier to actually follow the instructions!

I also love that this book includes a mixture of smaller table plants as well as huge ones that are meant to go on the floor and look like a big room plant.

If you are in search of a book that either gets you started on paper plant making OR if you are already into making them but want some ideas or inspiration, check out this book!

Highly recommend it!


*Thanks to NetGAlley.com for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review!*

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handmade Houseplants shows a beautiful use of paper and your creativity to liven up your home or office.

Using various painting, cutting and gluing skills, the author gives step-by-step instructions for 30 different plants. From carnivorous to poisonous to cactus, most plants you have heard of and a few you haven’t are included. After the reader has done a few of the step-by-step plants, the author includes five more advanced projects like place settings, centerpieces, table/mantle runners and a trellis that is adorable. The finished projects vary in size from 4” to 4 feet wide or tall. The initial supplies needed can be acquired cheaply assuming you already have a glue gun, scissors, iron, wire clippers and needle nose pliers. The book includes a resources page with inexpensive art websites like dickblick.com.

These projects are gorgeous and look totally Instagram or blog ready. If you are tired of making origami frogs, this a great next step in your paper odyssey. 4 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Timber Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody loves houseplants, but not everyone can or wants to grow and care for them. In Handmade Houseplants, almost more beautiful than the real thing, are plants made from paper! This guide includes step-by-step instructions for 30 of the most popular houseplants, from monstera and peperomia to fiddle leaf fig and philodendron. Detailed information and pictures inform the reader concerning the tools and supplies one will need. And the great thing is, you probably already have some of them. I liked the section on gift giving, as these plants would make a beautiful and unique gift. The projects are simple enough to be made in few hours and the required materials are affordable and readily available. If nothing else you will love the enchanting, colorful photos.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plants you can't kill! I love when nature and craft are combined. Hogg has crafted tutorials for creating 30 different houseplants essentially from paper with the addition of wire/dowels for stems and painted accents on some. Hogg begins with the materials needed and the various techniques used before moving into tutorials for creating each plant. Each tutorial includes step by step instructions as well as clear photographs detailing each step. Templates for the various leaf shapes are included.

While I love having live houseplants, paper plants are a great option for someone who travels a lot, who simply doesn't have a green thumb or even just for those spaces that aren't ideal for a live plant. They're also a great option for those with pets since some plants are toxic to cats and/or dogs. I think my favorites are the Pink Polka Dot Plant and the Sassafras Seedlings. There's is enough variety here to suit any taste.

Thank you to Corrie Beth Hogg, Timber Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this fun book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.

[Janey Dangerous · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has great techniques and beautiful templates! the focus is on foliage plants and leaves-- so no flowers here. This and Japanese Paper flowers are great companions for learning the techniques to make paper plants!

[Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found via a make and take at my library.

Pink cordyline looks wonderful, can't wait to make more.

[Andreea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was more fun than I expected it to be!

The book is structured in a very logical way, starting with materials and techniques then going into the actual projects. This is not an easy crafts book, but it sure makes use not only of your skill (plus the skill to use a drill), but also of your creativity.

The looks of the plant definitely make an impression on the reader - they did on me. The projects are presented in great detail and even if you make a mistake, the author has you covered as she talks about her own mistakes - plus, nature is not perfect either, but that's what makes it beautiful.

Now, I really like real plants, but I am sure these plants would make great gifts - plus in the final chapter the author focuses on other uses for her plants and I think I will make those cute little branches for name plates when hosting a nice dinner.

[Krysti Kois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. The author really takes the time to decribe all the techniques used and shows wonderfully descriptive pictures to make following the step by step instructions easy. She has enough variety and levels of difficulty for the novice all the way to the advanced paper crafters. She has great templates not only for the leaf shapes but also the paint decoration as well. She also includes a page to find the materials you need both in actual stores and online. Using the techniques shown, you can make the single plant or combine them to make an amazing planter. This is a must get book. The only thing I would add is pictures of the actual plants for reference in addition to the artists rendering.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Handmade Houseplants is a very well thought out, ambitious book. There are over 300 pages of detailed instructions, high-quality photos, and templates. I am impressed with the author’s attention to detail and artistic ability. Many of the techniques she shares could be transferred to other artistic projects as well. That being said, It is so much work for a final product that doesn’t really look like a real houseplant. Some are pretty close, but this is from an obviously dedicated, talented artist.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an unbiased review.

[Cynde · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well thought out , researched and presented craft instruction book on how to make paper versions of many houseplants. The instructions, illustrations and photography make the patterns easy to follow. This is a very good craft book. The plants are described accurately and once completed many could pass for the real plants.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
This book is AMAZING and I want it for myself!
It lays down CLEARLY all of the items you will need to create your very own realistic paper plants. Plants that would look cute and lovely on anyone's desk or bookshelf. Brilliant pictures and step by step guides.
Nearly 40 pages of templates make this book a MUST for any paper crafter who loves plants.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a black thumb, like I do, but you still love to be surrounded by plants, this book could be your saving grace.

Corrie Beth Hogg has clearly spent innumerable hours working with all types of papers, paints and other goodies to bring Handmade Houseplants to life in a way that some of us can't do with real plants. She has presented 30 types of plants to create followed by 5 bonus projects, all photographed beautifully by Christine Han.

The book begins with a couple of "conversations" with Corrie Beth where she introduces herself and her love of nature and crafting and moves into the usual tools and materials section (none of which are difficult to find nor expensive). She talks to us about work space and vessels to hold the plants, describes the plant parts, and she details tips and techniques used in every aspect of each of the creations, right up to gift wrapping them (each step showing wonderful photos along the way). She even talks about what happens when mistakes are made and eases us into the need to not be immediately good at this.

Then comes the actual plants. Not only do they have a brief description, tools and materials, they also each have notes detailing the number of leaves, vines and their lengths, number of sprigs and leaves in each...plus the size/type of pot and the approximate finished size of the plant. These notes are extremely helpful in knowing which plants you feel ready to tackle. I was amazed how how large some of them actually are like the Spiral Ginger and the leaves of the Monstera Deliciosa!!

Templates, index and resources complete the book. The templates are as true to size as allowed by the page. When increasing is necessary, the percentages are given. The only thing I wish is that those particular templates also talked about placement on the copy bed. I've always had an issue with knowing where to place the template in order to properly allow for the increase on the paper without sending it right off the page.

As can be expected, some projects are far more life-like than others. Personally, I love the Pink Cordyline, Swiss Cheese Vine, Rex Begonia Vine and Peruvian Maidenhair Fern. With 30 to choose from, you won't have an issue finding ones that are just right for you.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Handmade Houseplants is a new papercrafting book by Corrie Beth Hogg published by Timber Press and due out 4th Sept, 2018. This is a substantial book, 300 pages in full color in ebook and paperback formats.

I've seen and reviewed a lot of papercrafting books, and I'd yet to see one which is specifically aimed at sculpting whole plants in planters. These really are funky and pretty realistic and just brimming over with fun. This book is not intended for absolute purists, almost every project uses paint, wetting, papier maché or other techniques to provide leaf structure and other details to the plants. Many of these would make a great fun weekend project with young(ish) to older kids.

The book is arranged in chapters with a logical and easily followed format. The introduction and general tutorials / intro skills chapters (~10% of the page content) cover concepts and supplies as well as the techniques which are common to most of the projects which follow.

The largest proportion of the book is given over to specific plants along with a pictorial tutorial for each project. There are 30 different plants by my count and the most popular and enduring houseplants are included. The tutorials include full color photos and range from 2-8 pages, average ~6.

There are several bonus projects, including a centerpiece, place cards, a garland and a trellis.

All of the templates are included in a reduced size (increase them to 133% for full size).

There's a useful concise index and author bio included at the end.

Four stars, some worthwhile and appealing sculptures here.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Gwnhwyfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celebrate the pure pleasure in the act of creating something new with your hands. Not every leaf needs to be perfect, not every cut or mark needs to be exactly the same. Enjoy the process!

Handmade houseplants: remarkably realistic plants you can make with paper by Corrie Beth Hogg is an inspiring collection of diy projects for those of us that love plants but whose green thumb is non-existent! There are detailed supply lists of everything you will need as well as a general techniques section. There are 30 different plants presented, from the delicate Oxalis to the giant Monstera delicious, all with varying skill levels. Included at the end are a few bonus projects as well as all the necessary templates. And there are lots of pictures throughout, which is great for those of us who are image-based learner's!

Personally, I thought the pink cordyline and alocasia infernalis plants were the most realistic looking. The never-never plant was my least favorite, reminding me of a kid's art class project. The author is an artist (which I am not), so many of the plants are painted with various mediums. I also would have liked a few more "bonus project" ideas, perhaps as a gallery with less text.

That being said, I am looking forward to trying out some of the projects! In the past, I have created giant paper flowers as part of displays at the library where I work, so I'm always on the hunt for new ideas!

I received a review copy courtesy of Timber Press and Netgalley.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review. #HandmadeHouseplants #NetGalley
-I have two black thumbs so I was really interested in trying some of these plants. The cover also appealed to me.
-These plants are beautiful; you can tell the author had practice making those.
-The description, explanations and the material needed are detailed for every plant and you can see several pictures for the same plant - there are pictures on every page.
-The explanations are to the point and in plain English. No fussing around.
-There are templates to print in the back of the book and the author lets you know if they need to be enlarged or not.
-I'm a scrapbooker and a card maker but not a plant maker so a few tools or certain supplies such as wire, plastic tubing, bricks or skewers are not something I would keep in my stash and for the one or two plants that interested me, the balance would be a waste. So I'm going to check with my fellow artist friends if they have surplus of what I would need.
-I wish NetGalley would provide the paperback version with books like this one; it's so much better than reading via an iPad! It's also a reference book so you can go back again and again.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! Corrie Beth Hogg's paper plant creations are simply divine.

The foreward was beautifully written and I appreciated David Stark's call to use the book not only to create paper plants for your own house or office, but to use the book and it's incredible images as inspiration for daily life.

Hogg's instructions are clearly written. Though the projects seem to require intermediate or advance craft skills, I would still suggest beginners try their hand at it because even if your creations do not end up looking just like the examples you're sure to have something beautiful in its own way.

I especially loved the inch plant, rex begonia vine, and the pink cordyline paper plants :) I've not yet attempted to create any for myself, but I have a feeling that once I gather my supplies I will tackle one of those three.

You can preorder the book on Amazon or from your local book sellers.

Thank you to Timber Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Original review posted on Aubrey & Co. (www.aubreysalyers.com).

[Lynndell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful DIY projects!
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to read and review Handmade Houseplants by Corrie Beth Hogg with photographs by Christine Han.
A helpful, wonderful guide for making houseplants out of paper, by adding paint, floral wire and a pot, to create plants prettier and healthier than the real versions. Lists of supplies needed, how-to directions and skills and techniques, help the artist make sure all of the details aren’t forgotten. Details such as plant buds and leaflets and many more, and that these details turn out perfectly. Instructions for maintaining and repairing paper plants includes cleaning tips and an assortment of fixing advice,bonus projects and templates are included towards the end of the book. 5 stars for this guide to paper plant perfection!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have zero time for more crafting these days but these looked fun, so I read through the introductory lessons and then looked at all the project pictures. Therefore, I haven't tried any of the projects myself but I did think the instructions were well done and especially thought the pictures would be very helpful! I'm not one for painting or doing anything too difficult (like building a tree trunk) but I did think the Christmas cactus and the Oxalis looked both the easiest and the most realistic in the final project (I thought those that were too sparse looked too fake) Happy crafting!

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique book, and I look forward to trying some of the projects here! While you definitely need to hunt down a few important supplies, these crafts aren't as dependent on specialty materials as many paper flower books are. As someone with cats who love to eat houseplants (especially the ones that will make them sick!), I look forward to adding some of these cat-safe alternatives to my house.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up on a whim from the library and I wasn't disappointed! This is a very cute, very well explained crafting book that teaches the ins and outs of making paper plants. I'm not going to try making any of them myself (I'm not that ambitious), but there are several in here that seemed approachable even to me. If keeping a real plant alive is a challenge for you, maybe pick up this book and try making one yourself!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are adorable. My craft process is much more “free flowing” though, so I mainly just use craft books for inspiration - I don’t think I’ll make any of the exact plants but really like seeing the steps. For those that like orderly lists, she provides very detailed materials, templates, patterns, process and step by step directions.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have the opposite of a black thumb but still want some greenery in your home? With some paper, wire and paint, you can create plants that double as art! The projects in this book can be approached by those with any crafting skill. Step-by-step, colored photos illustrate each part of the process to creating indoor greenery.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get lost for the afternoon and make something beautiful, perfect for decorating and freshening up your space, but also great for weddings, events and just to add something new to the mix.
I love real plants but there's nothing better than creating something with your hands especially when the effect looks so realistic.
Get inspired and do something new!

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful craft book!

There are fun instructions on creating various kinds of house plants to display. The book focuses on painting and using paper, but felt can be used as well. The book includes helpful color pictures, instructions, lists of what to buy, and templates.

There's some fun ideas to try in this book for those who want low maintenance houseplants!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eBook copy from Netgalley.

I fell in love with this book and am eagerly awaiting its publication. Although I haven’t tried any of the projects yet I have already bought supplies. Well laid out, clear instructions and colorful and engaging photos. Should be popular.

[Amberwench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of the projects require a little leaf painting detail to look like real plants but it's no lie that the patterns in this book make some delightfully real looking leaves. More than 30 projects to fill your home with plants that (other than dusting) don't require maintenance!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These plants seem to take a considerable amount of time to make. Think I'll stick to growing real ones, but it was interesting to look at this beautiful biik.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some beautiful plants in this book -- I don't think I'll be trading in my real plants for paper any time soon though.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many very excellent and interesting ideas for paper plants in this book! I really enjoyed it.