Paper Craft Information - 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. Paper is more than just pratical and it can be so decorative and fun to use. 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. 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! What is Paper Maché??? Paper Mache is a versatile craft technique and so fun for adults and kids alike. As it can get quite messy, it is recommended to cover your working area with an old plastic tablecloth and to wear old clothes. All you will need are strips of newspaper, glue and your base object or form. You can create your glue by using 1 part flour to 1 part water and adding a spoonful of craft glue. When combined, this mixture then resembles a thick paste with the consistency of cream. You can also mix wallpaper glue powder with water according to manufacture’s instructions. Wallpaper paste has an advantage that it keeps for days in an airtight container. If it thickens, add some water and mix well.  A typical base object to cover with the paper strips is a balloon. With this, animal bodies or even a Halloween masks can be created. Other items can also be taped to the balloonsuch as toilet paper or kitchen paper rolls. These in turn become arms and legs. Ordinary plastic bowls are another source of base object. When wrapped with cling wrap, you can apply the strips of newspaper and once dry, the base bowl can be removed leaving the paper mache shell. Paper maché objects becomes firm and durable when dry and can be easily painted over. 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. What is Decopatch??? The word “Decopatch” refers to a special paper and glue developed for decoupaging items such as paper maché figures, ceramic, etc. The paper is ultra thin, yet does not tear easily when wet. The paper colors are bright and do not fade within time. The finished objects look actually painted because the paper coats the item to be decorated smoothly and evenly. The special Decopatch glue is especially made for the unique quality of the papers and coats and seals the items as well. This technique is also easy for kids as well. 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. 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. What is Lacé??? Lacé is a paper cutting technique in which the cut pieces, for example in the shape of triangles, are folded back and then interlinked in each other, creating a new design which resembles fish bone or a braid. You can buy metal lacé templates or print out this example here >>> Lace Pattern 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.

Tutorials for Card Making and Paper Crafts There are so many occasions in the year when you need greeting cards. Whether it be a birthday, an anniversary, a holiday like Christmas or even for the birth of a baby, the reasons are many. Before you go out and buy another card, consider crafting your own personal cards. Creating hand made greeting cards can be so rewarding. Think of your cards as miniature works of art that you are giving to someone. Not only are you giving that special someone a moment of your time by creating that special card for him or her, but a hand made card will often be kept and cherished as a reminder of you. Craft stores offer a wonder selection of craft supplies to make card making easy and fun. Find out more about what some of these items are by clicking on the card technique links. You will find out how to rubber stamp, die cut, emboss and other ways to embellish you cards. Many of these items and techniques  were used on the cards presented on this website. Lots of the techniques can be used for scrapbooking just as well. With all of the possibilities, you will be spending many creative hours creating one of a kind albums that your family will cherish for generations.           More Craft Themes:   Cards       Paper Crafts       Wood Crafts       General Crafts       Kids Crafts       Textile Crafts       Picture Gallery           Copyright: Please read this Copyright Information about using the images of this website.