Tissue paper is a lightweight, smooth craft paper. It comes in many solid colors and in prints. Sometimes one side is coated to give it a slick surface.
Tissue paper is customarily used for wrapping clothes or breakable items inside of a storage box, gift box or gift bag. For long-term storage of anything, make sure to use acid-free tissue paper, as ordinary tissue paper will turn yellow and may mar the wrapped item(s).
Tissue paper is also commonly used to create craft paper flowers for parties and dances. Using several square pieces of paper, pinch the center point of the stack and fasten tightly. Separate and crinkle each piece to create a 3-dimensional effect. You may also trim the corners a bit if desired. Using different colors of tissue paper within a single flower can create many variations on the basic form.
Tissue paper is also used in collage and decoupage. Tearing the paper instead of using scissors gives the edges a feathered effect. Remember to brush the glue from the center outwards to preserve the torn edges.
Tissue paper can be used as the final layers of papier mache to give it color. It is probably better applied dry and the glue/water liquid bushed over it to adhere the paper to the item than soaking the paper in the liquid. Scrunched wet tissue paper will tear and fall apart before it can be smoothed out to apply it to the papier mache. Papier mache using the tissue paper with the slick coating would be an interesting experiment, to see what effect the coating has on the finished project.
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