Words for paper, art & craft creations

As someone who’s a “words” person, this book really spoke to me. Because, as the name suggests, it’s filled with words, words and more words to use in crafting projects – I couldn’t have asked for a better distraction!

Anyone can use this book, whether you’re into scrapbooking, fabric art, paper collages, knitting or crocheting. Whatever your poison, you’ll need words somewhere along the line to enhance your creation. And when you do, you’ll be ever so glad to have this book on your shelf, especially if you’re not really a “words” person yourself.

There are 23 categories, covering themes like toddlers, girls, boys, friends and friendship, love, music, time, hobbies, travel and holidays, and pets. Each themed chapter goes on to detail phrases, poems, quotes, and words that really embody each theme.

Monica de Beer, the author of Words for paper, art & craft creations, is obviously a word fanatic herself. In quite an ingenious move, she’s drawn inspiration from everyday life, as well as from local and international movies, books, newspapers, TV, plays, and music.

Then there are all the lekker South-Africanisms that sneak through, particularly in the Heritage & nostalgia chapter. A few words and phrases are “Braai”, “Local is lekker”, “Our rainbow nation”, “Boerewors” and “Biltong”. They’re wonderfully familiar, as are the quotes and poems from home-grown favourites like Madiba and Nataniël. 

But the best thing about this book is the variety – something for everybody, thing or situation. I mean, where else would you find words of wisdom from Confucius, Aristotle, Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh (who has many a wise word to share indeed) all in one place?

Reviewed by Cara Visser

Published by Metz Press.