In doing paper crafts, there are basic techniques that you can use to create a wide range of designs. This can be as simple as a freehand or stick drawing or as complicated as pop-up books. All these techniques can be used regardless of the paper craft activity that you prefer. You can apply them to card making, scrap booking or making stationery sets.
One technique that is used is the direct application of dye or pigment inks to paper from the pad. Gentle strokes or light tapping technique are usually used in this technique. Beautiful backgrounds and magnificent base are created by directly applying the inks to the paper, as it efficiently covers the whole paper or large portions of it.
Another technique is dry embossing which can be used either to create the main element or place small embellishments on the sides or around the paper. You can also use this to decorate flaps of envelopes. The hardest templates that you can use are the metal ones but plastic stencils are not a bad idea at all. When dry embossing, it is highly recommended that you use a light-box to illuminate the paper from underneath. An improvised method is to tape the template and the paper to a window to take advantage of the natural lighting during daytime. But when dry embossing vellum, or similarly brittle paper, be sure to wipe a moistened clean piece of cloth over the paper because this will help in avoiding tears.
Moreover, heat embossing is another technique that you can use. This is considered to be the fastest way to spruce up any paper project. You can create beautiful raised paper effect in seconds just by using an embossing ink, stamps embossing powder then heat set. When using glossy paper, an anti-static agent before stamping will help keep the embossing powder from getting stuck on areas where they are not supposed to be.
Parchment crating or most commonly known as paper piercing is normally used when working with parchment and vellum. Several perforating tools can be used to create lace effects by piercing the paper. This can be a very interesting activity to your paper craft. Paper piercing, in combination with the other paper crafting techniques are sure to create magnificent designs and extraordinary works. You may also cut slits on your paper then fold back for a 3D effect.
After learning all the techniques, you can now use them all by using one technique on top of the other. This is called layering and would surely enable you to produce very interesting pieces. Just remember that you can only get so much from the basic knowledge and the rest is in your hands.
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