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What are Artist Trading Cards???
Artist Trading Cards or otherwise known as ATC’s are created in the size of 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches or 64 x 89 millimeters. These are small and self-made miniature works of art. Other than the size, there are no particular rules to follow. Combine different materials and elements to create unique and one of a kind cards. Sign, number and date the backs of your cards. These cards are not meant to be sold but if you like, there are groups that trade and collect these cards. You can find them on the internet in different craft forums.
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What is Decoupage???
The word “decoupage” has its origin from the French word “decouper” which simply means “to cut out”. The art of decoupage involves cutting out small paper objects and arranging them in a decorative way on another object such as wood. The final step is to glue them and seal them with numerous coats of varnish for a smooth result.
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What is Paper Maché???
Paper Mache is a pulp mixture of paper strips (such as torn newspaper pieces) and wallpaper glue. When combined, this mixture then resembles a dough. This can then be applied to an underground surface to create a new object or it can also be used to create models. Once dry, the paper maché object becomes firm and durable.
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What is a Collage???
The word “collage” comes from the French language and means to “glue on”. To create a collage picture you need different elements or pieces such as photographs, drawings, letters, newspaper clippings or other objects and these get arranged and glued on an underground such as a canvas to create a completly new picture.
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What is Origami???
Origami originates in China and is a very old technique of folding square shaped paper into small 3-D works of art such as animals or other figures.
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Learn about different paper craft techniques
Paper is probably the most versatile and universal material available. We are confronted daily with it. Maybe it is the newspaper we read in the morning, the box holding the cereal we eat, the bill that arrives in the mail, the catalog with the pretty new dress we would like to order or the book on our bedside table. These things are necessary in our lives but do not show the creative potential of paper. This website will be dedicated to showing that paper is more than just pratical. It can be so decorative and fun to use. Within time, the site will continue to grow and some projects will have a step-by-step tutorial with pictures to make them easy for children to understand as well.
In craft or paper stores, you can find a large supply of different papers that can be used for the projects. But not all of us have a craft store around the corner and not all products are available at all places. That is no problem. Be creative and flexible. The material list for each project is just a suggestion. You can get a totally new and maybe even better look if you change the type or color of paper. Try working with other embellishments. You may be astounded at the results. Sometimes the greatest things can happen by accident and the old John Ashcroft saying that necessity is the mother of invention can come true. Your creativity has no limits.
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Helpful is to also keep certain items that may be of use. For example, save old cards, calender pages, pretty pictures found in magazines or catalogues, music sheets, old letters with pretty or interesting writing, maps, wrapping paper, stamps, stickers, labels, paper napkins with designs, seed packages, etc..... almost anything out of paper can be used and recycled again into something new and beautiful. You will also discover that even the smallest bits of paper can be priceless.
Save cereal boxes, cardboard inlets from shirts or the grey cardboard backings from writing pads. These can be useful to make sturdy templates that can often be reused.
Scrapbook paper is not just for scrapbooking! With so many lovely designs and colors, you can use it for many other paper crafts as well such as card making or other general paper craft projects needing paper or cardstock.
You will find many tips and ideas on this website. Have fun browsing!
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