Clare youngs’ papercraft

FOCUS ON

Clare’s shelves and cupboards are full of her creations, as well as inspiring books and prints by other artists; ‘I’m working on a book about collage at the moment, which is probably my favourite art thing to do,’ says Clare.

For as long as I can remember I’ve loved creating. My parents were interested in art and our shelves were full of art and craft books. I learned to sew, knit and crochet but my favourite books were the ones about making things with paper, and I spent many happy hours of my childhood crafting with paper, card and fabric scraps.

After working in graphic design for several years, I was ready for a change of direction. I returned to my love of papercraft and put together an idea for a book to make stylish things for the home out of paper and card. It was taken up by a publisher and I went on to spend the next 12 years writing books on a wide range of craft techniques. I work with all sorts of media, but paper is my favourite: it has endless possibilities, and it never ceases to amaze me that cutting, folding, tearing, curling and glueing a simple piece of paper can transform it into something amazing.

When I was asked by my publisher to write about book art – making things from old books – I was a little unsure. I love books, how could I cut them up? But I soon realised that actually a book can come to the end of its life: some lose relevance over time and are left neglected, gathering dust; some are damaged beyond repair. These are the books I use and into which I breathe new life. I also use old newspapers, magazines,