Archive for August, 2009

  • Business Envelopes

    Ever notice the inside of the envelopes bills come in? Sometimes these have interesting blue or black patterns to prevent reading through the envelope.  These same patterns can be incorporated into your paper craft. Remove the flap and anywhere the glue original is placed, and the cellophane window, before using this paper. If you are doing [...]

  • Teabag Folding Paper

    Teabag folding is a kind of origami. Originally developed using actual teabags, special craft papers are now printed that have small squares with patterns, usually in sets of eight. Using these squares, folded in specific ways, stars and circles are formed. The small patterns on the papers make the resulting form kaleidoscopic, hence the alternative name “miniature [...]

  • Paper Twist

    This is a form of craft paper I have little experience with. It would seem to be a good substitute for corn husk in the creation of corn husk dolls. Otherwise, I cannot say how paper twist can be used in paper crafts. Ideas? Click to return to the top of the Craft Paper Guide.

  • Papier Mache

    Papier mache is strips of paper soaked in a water/glue solution and formed into the shape desired. For example, paper wads or a inflated balloon can provide round shapes on which papier mache is laid. When enough layers are applied and the object has dried, the papier mache becomes rigid. Allow to air dry. Once the figure [...]

  • Roll Cores

    The core of paper towel rolls and toilet paper can provide excellent cylinders for paper crafts. Usually brown or gray, some brands use white cores. These can by used as the body for figures like toy soldiers or pilgrims for seasonal decorations. These cores are not acid-free and will eventually deteriorate. If you make something fabulous using them, [...]

  • Paper Plates

    Paper plates are useful as paint palettes and brush rests during your crafting sessions. But they can also form the body of your project. Use them to create masks or sun visors for children or stuffed animals. Add a stick and you have a fan. Use one as the back and frame for a small collage. Make a (thankfully) [...]

  • Hand-Made Paper

    How could this guide about craft papers be complete without an entry about hand-made paper? You can make your own or buy it from others. Paper making pulp is available for crafters who want to give making their own paper a try. The hallmark of hand-made paper is texture. These craft papers will have a lot of [...]

  • Scrapbooking Paper

    The opposite of plain, white paper, scrapbooking paper is full of color and pattern. Enormous numbers of colors and patterns. As a craft paper, it offers endless opportunities. This craft paper is usually smooth, and fairly limp. It is good for adornment but will probably not form the body of your project without some outside support if your [...]

  • Plain White Paper

    By plain white paper, I mean printer or copier paper.  White 8 1/2 by 11 inch smooth paper. “Craft paper?” you say. Yes, craft paper. Some beautiful white on white sculptures have been created using this paper, scissors and glue. Using stilts to separate the layers and provide shadows to give the forms depth, scenery and figures [...]

  • Quilling Paper

    Quilling paper is usually a nice-bodied, matte-finish, smooth craft paper sold in 12 inch strips. It is available in white and maybe 20 strong colors. It can be 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch wide, and there may be other widths available from specialty suppliers. You can cut your own from sheets of paper, but the strips must be [...]

  • Sketching Paper

    Sketching paper usually comes in a pad or bound book form. The weight and surface of the paper varies, and it is usually white (more or less). I have not used it for anything but sketching, but it is available from most art or craft stores and not all that expensive. It might be a useful craft paper [...]

  • Watercolor Paper

    Watercolor paper comes in a number of textures and weights. It is usually more expensive than a lot of craft papers, but it does not have any surface coating and is usually somewhat stiff. It resists rippling when wet and usually resumes a flat state when it dries.  When torn, it usually provides a nice deckled edge, [...]

  • Kraft Paper

    Kraft paper is brown paper bag paper. It would seem to be relatively useless in paper crafts, but it has a good body and interesting texture. It is not acid-free and is therefore subject to deterioration with time. But, paper bags can become some interesting things. For some ideas, look up a book titled “What Can You Do [...]

  • Construction Paper

    Construction paper has been a school standard since it became commonly available. Normally sold in sheets slightly larger than the standard 8 1/2 x 11 inches, it is also made of a coarser pulp than writing paper and wood fibers are usually visible in it. The surface is not real smooth and does not have any [...]

  • Wall Paper

    Wall paper can be used in paper crafts where any patterned paper can be used, but it adds body due to its thickness. In addition, wall papers also often include texture that can add interest to a craft project. Wall paper can be used in collages or as coverings for paperboard boxes. Motifs cut out of wall [...]

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