Art in a Box: 30 Creative Projects in Mixed-Media Assemblage, Hardcover

Also termed 3-D collage, shadow boxes, or assemblage, this compelling art form is based on how you choose and arrange items in a "box" (term used loosely ) to create a visual message. With 30 intriguing projects of varied complexity, this complete guide teaches techniques for arranging, organizing, mounting, and creating narratives. The boxes use easily available items like cigar boxes, unusual packaging containers, or mint tins. The form's history is covered too, including the curiosity cabinets of Renaissance Europe, the found-object assemblage boxes created in the 20th century by Joseph Cornell, and the works artists create today. You'll find examples that teach arrangement, grouping, and assembly, and a 40-page inspirational gallery of works by expert artists.

Marlis Maehrle teaches paper- and book-crafting courses in the US and Germany. Her work has been featured in Uppercase and 500 Paper Objects. She belongs to the International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA). www.papierzeichen.de/?lang=en