Christian Crafts for Christmas from Paper Plates
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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Are you a paper crafter who has never quilled before? Are you not even sure if you’d like it? Are you curious and want to find out, but cringe at the thought of purchasing even more crafting supplies that might end up unused and forgotten in some drawer or plastic bin?
If this sounds like you, then fear not. Basic quilling supplies are few and very inexpensive. In fact, you probably have many of the supplies currently on hand. If you find that you enjoy quilling and want to do more (and I truly hope you will), then you can go wild and build up your stash of quilling tools, papers, and embellishments.
Three Must-Have Supplies for Quilling: Paper Strips, Glue, Curling Tool
1. Quilling Paper Strips. The most common width of paper strip used in quilling is 1/8 inch. Other widths are available, however. Narrower strips (1/16 inch) are used for fine, detailed quilling, while wider strips, 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/8 inch, are used primarily for fringed flowers and 3D sculpting.
You can cut your own strips, and many quillers do, but they must be cut precisely for the coils to look nice and that can be difficult and tedious to do. My advice is to purchase one package of 1/8 inch multi-colored strips which will cost around $3. You will appreciate the variety of colors you have to choose from as you make your first designs.
2. Glue. Any good quality white tacky craft glue that dries clear will work fine. Over time you will notice some slight differences and no doubt choose a favorite, but for now, use what you have on hand.
3. Curling Tool. You need to use something to help you curl your paper strips. A corsage pin, hat pin, round toothpick, needle quilling tool, or slotted tool can all be used. To use the pins, toothpick, and needle tool, you will make your curl by rolling the paper strip around the center shaft. A slotted quilling tool grabs the end of the quilling strip and you curl the paper by turning the handle.
There are pros and cons for each type. The needle-type tools make a smaller center to the coil, but starting and rolling the curl can be a bit tricky. The slotted quilling tool leaves a tell-tale bend in the paper at the center of the coil, but is by far the easiest tool for beginners to use. My advice is to spend the $3-4 and get the slotted tool. Once you get the hang of quilling, you can branch out and try the needle tool or finger rolling. If you simply refuse to spend another dime on supplies, then try the toothpick. It is easier for paper to grab onto the wooden surface than the smooth shaft of the needle tool or pin.
Other Useful Quilling Tools and Supplies
* Work Board. You can purchase one of the many nice ones available on the market today, or make your own from a sturdy piece of corrugated cardboard. A good size is 6″x8″, but any size will do as long as it is larger than your quilling pattern. Cover the front of the work board with a piece of wax paper or clear plastic cut to size and held in place with a few straight pins.
* Straight Pins. Besides holding the work board covering in place, pins are used to hold your coils and scrolls as you assemble your design. This allows you to dry fit the pieces and make any adjustments before gluing.
* Ruler. You will usually want to measure the length of your paper strips so you can create shapes that are uniform in size. Quilling patterns will tell you the length of the strip needed to form each coil or scroll.
* Tweezers. Some of the individual shapes you create will be pretty tiny. You will find tweezers quite helpful in achieving perfect placement of your coils and scrolls into your quilling design.
That’s it. You now know the three essential quilling supplies you’ll need to get started, plus some other tools that are not essential, but nice to have. So gather them together and enjoy the art of quilling.
Click now for a free quilling e-book packed with more tips and three complete quilling patterns. Written by award winning quilling artist, Charlotte Canup, it’s more than just a great book for the beginner, it has something for quillers of all levels. Her blog, The Art of Quilling, specializes in creative ideas, techniques, and patterns for paper quilling (paper filigree). You’ll find quilling patterns and how-to projects for quillers, scrapbookers, card makers, and home decor enthusiasts.
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Hi, I would like to know
What are some good paper trimmers that you recommend for scrapbooking/paper crafts?
Thanks
the name of the brand & the name of the trimmer would be nice.
Also, it would be also nice to have images of it 
What are some paper trimmers that you had a bad experience w/?
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How to create a variety of crafts for toddlers, including making a toilet paper roll tree; get expert tips and advice on arts and crafts for toddlers in this free instructional video. Expert: Stacey Scheideler Bio: Stacey holds a bachelors of science in education and human sciences, with an endorsement in inclusive early childhood education, specializing in birth to third grade education. Filmmaker: Jon Olson
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Product Description
Mod Podge is 40 years old, but this classic decoupage glue still has its cool. This acid-free, non-tacky formula is perfect for scrapbooking, altered art and card crafting. Extend the life of your paper projects. Projects dry to a matte finish…. More >>
Mod Podge CS11236 8-Ounce Paper, Matte Finish