With simple fold-out patterns and intricate designs cut in elaborate form, pop-up books are a field apart in children's literature and storybook publishing. Ranging from traditional children's tales to "grown-up" editions not intended for young fans, the field is dominated by the storybook's inspiration, with popular children's book figures appearing again and again in paper art.
The rich history of paper art includes a range of pop-up and moveable paper subjects. Impressive editions featured pull tabs that showcase multiple movements; fold-out images reveal fairytale castles or national landmarks.
Miniature Paper Art
While large-scale pop-up books define the antique and collector-coveted favorites, miniature editions have long been a part of the industry. Inexpensive simple fold-out editions crowd the shelves in retailers and novelty catalogues, featuring favorites like Peter Pan, Cinderella, and licensed characters from films like Star Wars.
Birthday and greeting cards are a popular subject for paper artists. Small versions are sold individually in specialty shops, displaying Disney characters and classic figures from "Winnie the Pooh"; cheaper versions decorated with glitter appear in retail sections, folding out to reveal kittens in gift boxes or Santa and his reindeer in flight.
Modern Paper Art
Large and elaborate editions of moveable and pop-up art have played host to a series of legendary paper artists and collectible volumes. A modern-day equivalent of paper legend is artist Robert Sabuda, whose work has been featured on Martha Stewart for its beauty and creativity.
His volumes span subjects from holidays to Americana, to impressive pop-up and moveable illustrations for editions of The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Narnia, and other classic children's stories. The modern field of traditional pop-up art includes everything from bugs and fairies to planets and dinosaurs.
Making Pop-Out Paper Art
The art of pop-up and moveable paper designs isn't limited to professional artists. A range of books and sites give clues for inexperienced artists interested in designing their own cards and volumes. From simple fold-out designs to multi-piece dimensional versions, simple tips and techniques are available in expensive volumes or through free online tutorials on paper art designs.
Whether it's a treasured edition of Jemima Puddle-Duck in moveable illustration or a new volume of Alice in Wonderland with a rabbit hole that springs from the pages, pop-up books have the power to draw a reader's attention from the moment the first page is turned. Crafting or collecting pop-up and moveable art brings a smile to the face of all who share in the images and their intricate design.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
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