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Ricko.
Rick has been drawing since he was a kid. It's Mad Magazine's fault.
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My Favorite Books on Making Pop-Up-Cards – A Review
April 20th, 2010 by ricko
Do you want to learn how to make your own pop-up-cards?
You can learn so much from books. Here I review my three favorites. They were so helpful to me when I was just starting out, and I still look them up when I need an idea. Many of the basic techniques used on this website are explained in these books.
But before you read the reviews please remember this. If you want to make your own pop-up-cards, the best thing you can do is grab some scissors and some paper and start practising. The more designs you try the more you’ll get the hang of it. Then after you’ve learned some basics you can apply your new skills and your imagination, and design your own cards.
Where to find these books…
The three books reviewed below are available at Amazon. That’s were I bought mine, but you might also be able to ask your local book store for help, or try your community library. I’ve included the publishers to help you track them down. I just find Amazon easy, and I’ve included the Amazon links to each book in case you decide to order your own copy.
A word of advice: Don’t choose a book just because it looks flashy. Sometimes the simplest looking books are the best teachers.
1. Pop-Up! A Manual of Paper Mechanisms
By Duncan Birmingham, Tarquin Publications
What the author says: “…a working guide to the intriguing mechanisms that leap up from pop-up cards.
The book starts with just three simple ideas, and then shows how they are extended, modified and combined to produce sophisticated fold-away paper sculptures…Although the title of this manual is ‘Pop-up’, it also deals with slides, pull strips and rotating wheels commonly found in imaginative children’s books.”
My ranking: 5 stars
This is one of the best guides you will ever see on making pop-ups. Don’t be fooled by the simple hand drawn look. It’s very comprehensive.
2. The Pop-Up Book
By Paul Jackson, Owl Books, Henry Holt and Company New York
What the author says: “the ultimate guide to creating paper pop-ups
…offers a clear and practical guide to the craft for all levels of artist, from home hobbyists to professional graphic designers and architects. Illustrated with specially commissioned photography, it includes specific projects with easy-to-follow steps, general techniques for greater personal experimentation and creativity, and a gallery of designs created by some of today’s best pop-up artists for an inspirational finish”.
My ranking: 3 1/2 stars : This is a good showcase of real pop-ups created by a range of artists. This book does show you what’s possible, and that’s good – but it doesn’t always teach you how it’s done.
3. Paper Engineering for pop-up books and cards 
Mark Hiner, Tarquin Publications, England
What the author says: “…a basic dictionary or encyclopedia of mechanisms which do work and which can be used as starting points for further inventiveness…
These mechanisms are the basic ground-rules for successful paper engineering. Each is the starting point for a whole range of exciting possibilities…By choosing the right mechanism and then adapting and developing it to suit your needs, you can express an idea, a message or a mood far more vividly than any static picture ever can”
My ranking: 4 stars The book provides ten working models to cut out and make. It’s a great way to learn basic folds and mechanisms. This book will definitely help you understand how pop-up-cards work.
So there you have it. The three most important how-to books on pop-up-cards in my collection.
Have fun guys…
Ricko
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