History of Paper Craft
Paper has long been a popular material for handcrafts. According to Chinese tradition paper was first developed there about 100 A.D. Long before America was even discovered the custom of providing the dead with paper replicas of the comforts needed for the good life was well established in China.
As a fashionable pastime for women, paper crafts were extremely popular as early as 1060 when Pepys mentioned a paper basket made by his sister, in his famous diary.
When Jane Austen lived and wrote her classics, about 1800, paper crafts were a popular and fashionable recreation with growing girls.
By 1876 such work with paper was so popular that in America books were published about it. "Household Elegancies" is the title of one which illustrated the most elaborate handwork.
By 1905 paper had reached the heights of fashionable popularity as a decorating material at balls.
Today paper crafts are still zooming along. You can make things for your home, for parties, for gifts—pretty things, useful things that are fun to make and cheaper to make than to buy. It gives interesting and inexpensive craft projects for children, projects suited to dub and camp activities and for the child at home. It gives crafts of interest to school teachers and to directors of occupational therapy in hospitals and other institutions.
Whether you are new at making pretty paper decorations or whether you would like to try your hand at making different things from paper, you'll find a wealth of information in this ebook. You'll have fun, too!
How To Make Paper Flowers
3 Directions on How to Use Crepe Paper to Make Paper Flowers
There are two kinds of crepe paper: single and Duplex. Duplex is made of two layers of single, sometimes each layer a different color. It's a big help in making some Bowers, but if you can't get it, you can always make your own by pasting two layers of single together. The various articles in this ebook calling for "crepe paper," are to be made of single crepe, unless the directions specifically require Duplex. Only a few do.
General Direction #1: How to Cut a Strip of Crepe Paper
Slip the crepe paper from its packet the required width and cut across the paper through all layers (Fig. 1). You'll need fairly heavy sharp shears and a little muscle.
To make sure that your strip is an even width, use the edge of the packet as a guide.
Never forget: When directions say "cut a strip of crepe paper" you cut it across the grain as just described.
General Direction #2: How to Cut Straight Fringe
Cut a strip across the grain. Open it up. If you want to make fine fringe, stretch the strip as much as it will stretch. If you want to make coarse fringe, stretch it just a little. Fold and refold the strip to not more than eight layers. Slash along one edge of the paper stopping as a rule in Bower making about 1/4 to l/2-inch short of the opposite edge (Fig. 2). When you've done that you've cut your paper with the grain, and you've got straight fringe which is used a lot for flower centers.
General Direction #3: How to Flute Petals
These directions apply to other edges as well as petals. Hold the top of the petal (Fig. 3). Bring the right hand toward you, stretching the crepe over your left thumb. Make the next flute in the same way, taking care not to crush the first one. A fluted or slightly ruffled edge looks rather like a fluted pie crust.
Craft Center
- "How to Make Paper Flowers & Party Decorations" ebook
- Discover the secret to making beautiful paper flowers and party decorations. Learn how you can turn this hobby into a profitable business venture.
- The Complete Guide to Starting & Running Your Home Craft Business
- My name is Terry Couch and I have been running my own successful art and crafts business for over 40 years. During this time I have learned a lot about how to make a business successful.
- How to Start Your Own Craft Business
- How to Start Your Own Craft Business is the definitive guide to showing you the ropes to starting, running, and marketing your own successful craft business. This book is packed with as much information as is humanly possible about making money with your crafts - showing you the fastest and easiest way to get your profitable craft business off the ground.
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New Guestbook
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gods_grace_notes
I too, love papercrafting! What a lovely tribute to the memory of your friendship...thanks for sharing; your story and your resources! Welcome to Connie's Craft-a-Holics Club! Posted September 14, 2007 |
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flowergardener
Very Cool! I'm gonna have to try this! 5* Posted July 03, 2007 |
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flaminglacer
Glad to have you as a member of the Crafts and Hobbies Group - drop by the Group HQ sometime and see what is there for you. Great Lens! Posted July 03, 2007 |
