Book Review: Paper Dandy’s Horrorgami

Horrorgami for Halloween! Paper Dandy’s Horrorgami: 20 Gruesome Scenes to Cut and Fold by Marc Hagan-Guirey

Hello lovely crafters!

We’ve discovered a brand new paper arts book we thought you’d love and we want to tell you all about it! Created by the UK’s leading Kirigami artist, Paper Dandy aka Marc Hagan-Guirey, Horrorgami shows you how to create intricate pop-ups inspired by classic horror scenes.

The Catacombs, intermediate difficulty.

‘Kirigami’ is the Japanese art of cutting and folding a single sheet of paper to create complex art work. Marc Hagan-Guirey used the technique to amazing effect to produce a stunning solo exhibition, entitled ‘Horrorgami’, which showcased his fascination with the macabre. The exhibition consisted of a series of 13 paper cut works, each representing a different recognisable scene from a cult horror film. The delicate white pieces were displayed in brightly coloured light boxes, which when viewed at night, illuminated the scenes in a sinister and alluring way.

According to the host gallery, Gallery One and a Half, “Hagan-Guirey juxtaposes the experience of viewing the work with the experience of watching horror films. Under the cloak of darkness, a horror film is at its most effective and potent but this power dissipates when viewed in the safety and familiarity of daylight.”

Visit Gallery One and a Half's website for more details of the exhibition. www.one-and-a-half.com/index.php?/upcoming/marc-hagan-guirey---horrorgami

As a follow up to his thought-provoking exhibition, Hagan-Guirey then went on to produce this practical craft book to make his designs more accessible to the general public.

Dr Frankenstein’s Watchtower, intermediate difficulty.

This hauntingly beautiful book is great for Halloween, and with easy to follow step-by-step instructions and pull out templates, it could become the perfect activity for a Halloween party, all you need is your trusty scalpel!

Alien Abduction, intermediate difficulty.

The Thing under the Stairs, beginner difficulty.

Visit Laurence King Publishing to purchase your own copy just in time for Halloween for only £12.95! www.laurenceking.com/en/paper-dandy-s-horrorgami-20-gruesome-scenes-to-cut-and-fold

Our spook infused November issue is out on Friday!

As we bring you this issue at the beginning of October, it also doubles up as our Halloween issue! We have lots of suitably spooky projects to inspire you this month, as well as plenty of amazing non-ghoulish art for those who prefer not to be scared when crafting! Order your copy from our online SHOP or download your instant copy from POCKETMAGS!

Our 3D challenge this month is part of the spooky theme and our designers have really outdone themselves this time! The sheer level of variation you can get from the same substrates is amazing, from the wonderfully quirkyness of Clare Lloyd's vibrant green creation to the downright, spine chilling horror of the amazing art by Lesley Walters! There's truly something for everyone!

We also have more ‘new to Craft Stamper’ designers to introduce you to this month! We take a look at the work of some inspirational international artists, including the sweet owl canvas by Mona Pendleton from the USA and the wonderfully Autumnal project created by the talented Giovanna Zara from Australia!

I’m sure you won’t have missed the truly stunning cover art by Ana Kavcic too! Everyone in the office was simply stunned by this...beautiful work Ana!

We also are welcoming back Louise Crosbie in this issue. Queen of all things altered, Louise has outdone herself with the most amazing apothecary assemblage. No matter how many times you stare at this you will still find intricate new details that you missed first, second or even third time around!

We have a very special feature to share this month with you all. The entire crafting community was in a state of shock when we learned of the untimely death of Lily Chilvers. Just 21, Lily was such an amazing, talented and beautiful person, inside and out, and so we have created a tribute to Lily and her stunning Octopode Factory images.

There are also some very useful tutorials for you to have a go at in this issue! Sizzix Ink sheets, Mica, foil and how to colour a bunny, to name a few! We hope you enjoy our November issue! And don't forget to share your makes inspired by any of our issues with us via our Twitter @CraftStamperMag or Facebook page! 

Happy Crafting!