This book delivered 110%. I was looking for instruction on how to create simple paper shades. What I found in this book is that and much, much more. The explanations of the interplay of light and paper, the surprisingly simple processes to create subtle beauty are fantastic. All of the projects in the book use basic skills and tools, the line drawings are very easy to follow and picture the process very well. The photographs are beautiful and inspiring.

This book succeeds at two levels. First, it does what the title promises to do. It shows a dozen or more projects, all centered on the common theme of paper and light. There are window shades, lanterns and screens, laid out in plenty of detail for the skilled reader to follow. The projects differ in complexity, from kid-friendly simplicity up to tasks requiring some light carpentry and electrical wiring. There are no exotic tools or materials required - any good craft store would have just about everything, except for some of the unusual papers. Even they aren't compulsory in most cases, lots of alteratives will work well.

The second level is where this book delivers its real value. You'll get past the fixed recipes for defined projects in a hurry, then want to experiment on your own. Hiebert offers dozens of techniques that can be applied in ways limited only by your imagination. There are "marbling" techniques based on soap bubbles or chalk, coloring processes like tie-dye and batik, and lots of others. She gives tips on testing materials and light bulbs for safety, and a few pointers about combinations likely to cause problems. She also hints at some of the issues in turning your craft into a business.

There's somthing here for every level, from the rainy Saturday crowd to the professional artisan looking for something new to try. It's good fun - try it.

//wiredweird