Hi friends, I love paper crafting, but when I sit down with a fresh stack of origami paper, it doesn't take long before everyone around me realizes that I'm a one-trick monkey: I can either make a paper boat....or a paper pirate hat that turns into a paper boat. (OK, make that a one-and-a-half-trick monkey.) [caption id="attachment_4320" align="aligncenter" width="160" caption="Image, Abrams Books"] [/caption]

So I was pretty excited when I received a brand-new copy of Modern Paper Crafts by Margaret Van Sicklen. Van Sicklen is the creator of the Origami Page-A-Day calendar, as well as several origami books, so you know you're in capable, creative hands here. And the projects don't disappoint. The book is divided by technique, so you'll find chapters on folding, cutting, scoring/sculpting, pleating and recycling. I like the idea of folding my own organizer trays for my workspace, or pleating my own lampshade, and I think the pet owners out there would get a kick of creating a silhouette of their beloved dog or cat. And if you enjoy creating your own cards, wrapping paper, or decor items, there are tons of great ideas for those projects, too. And with plenty of step-by-step directions, diagrams and photos, you'll be crafting confidently in no time. (See more photos here.) For your chance to win, leave ONE comment on this post telling me about your favourite way to decorate for Easter. Comments will be open until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 24; I'll post a winner here on Monday, April 25th. Don't forget to provide your email address when signing in to leave a comment; I need to be able to contact you if you're the winner. Good luck!