This month, I'm going back to basics to show you what beautiful results you can achieve with papers and folding. If you followed my Beginner's Guide in Issue 142, you will already be familiar with the paper pleating technique. It's quick and easy to add textured backgrounds to your designs using this technique, but let's try something different this time. How about creating your own handmade 3D toppers? Not only can you add them to your card designs but they're also perfect for dressing up homemade gift wrap. The bow and fan as shown on my birthday designs would add that special touch to any present.

There are two different ways of folding the paper, flat or concertina style. If you want to combine paper folding with die-cutting, first consider how intricate or small the die-cuts are and fold the die-cut to co-ordinate with the composition of the design.

If you are looking for a simple quick-make, try the bow or pleated ring design. Paper-pleated designs make great focal point, so I would avoid adding too many embellishments. A few gemstones and die-cut elements should be sufficient. When combining several patterned papers in one design, make sure that your pleating stands out against the background. It's best to choose background papers without busy patterns. Watercolour wash papers work best but if there aren't any in the paper pad, you can easily create your own by blending distress inks and sprinkling water on top before drying it with a heat tool. I recommend that you mount your finished designs using 3D foam pads, this will add extra dimension and will also help to make the topper stand out. These cards can be posted in a normal envelope, although a matching box would be the perfect finishing touch to your handmade project!

1

How to create a paper-pleated wreath. Cut 1cm wide paper strips, score at 1.5cm and 2cm intervals using a scoreboard or blade.

2

Concertina fold the scored lines

3

Die-cut a circle ring and adhere the pleating using double-sided tape. Trim off any sharp edges sticking out.

To a Dear Friend Pastel Coloured Card with Paper Folding Technique
Create this card using My Favorite Things Dienamics STAX Stitched Square Inside & Out Stitched Circle die sets & Impression Obsession Layered Floral die set
Stamping1 min read16 Oct 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White, grey, green & pink cardstock
  • Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Gather 12x12” paper pad
  • Manual die-cutting machine
  • My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX Stitched Square and Inside & Out Stitched Circle die sets
  • Impression Obsession Layered Floral Set die set
  • Altenew Birthday Greetings stamp set
  • VersaMark inkpad
  • Gold embossing powder
  • Double-sided tape
  • Scoreboard
  • Heat tool
  • Gems
Modern Block Colour Happy Birthday Card with Heat Embossed Sentiment
Create this card using My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX Cross-Stitch Square and Inside & Out Stitched Circle die sets
Stamping1 min read16 Oct 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White & grey cardstock
  • Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Gather 12x12” paper pad
  • Manual die-cutting machine
  • Xcut Heart nesting dies
  • My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX Cross-Stitch Square and Inside & Out Stitched Circle die sets
  • Altenew Birthday Greetings stamp set
  • VersaMark inkpad
  • Gold embossing powder
  • Double-sided tape
  • 3D foam pads
  • Scoreboard
  • Heat tool
  • Gems
Vintage Birthday Wishes Paper Fan Card
Learn how to create this card using Die-namics STAX Cross-Stitch Square, Inside & Out Stitched Circle die sets designer papers and sentiment stamp
Stamping1 min read16 Oct 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White, black, pink & green cardstock
  • Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Gather 12x12” paper pad
  • Manual die-cutting machine
  • WPlus9 Scalloped Border die
  • My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX Cross-Stitch Square and Inside & Out Stitched Circle die sets
  • Altenew Birthday Greetings stamp set
  • VersaMark inkpad
  • Gold embossing powder
  • Double-sided tape
  • Scoreboard
  • Heat tool
  • Gems
You’re a Gem Floral Die-cut Card
Create this card using My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX Stitched Mini Rectangle dies & Sugar Pea Designs Feeling Sentimental stamp set
Die-cutting1 min read16 Oct 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White, grey, pink, orange & green cardstock
  • Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Gather 12x12” paper pad
  • Manual die-cutting machine
  • Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Oval dies
  • My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX Stitched Mini Rectangle dies
  • Sugar Pea Designs Feeling Sentimental stamp set
  • VersaMark inkpad
  • Gold embossing powder
  • Double-sided tape
  • 3D foam pads
  • Scoreboard
  • Heat tool
  • Gems
Make a Wish Pleated Dress Easel Card
Create this Fancy Dress card using My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX Cross-Stitch Square and Circle die sets, patterned paper & Xcut Heart nesting dies
Stamping1 min read16 Oct 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White, black & grey cardstock
  • Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Gather 12x12” paper pad
  • Manual die-cutting machine
  • Xcut Heart nesting dies
  • My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX Cross-Stitch Square and Inside & Out Stitched Circle die sets
  • Altenew Birthday Greetings stamp set
  • VersaMark inkpad
  • Gold embossing powder
  • Double-sided tape
  • 3D foam pads
  • Scoreboard
  • Heat tool
  • Gems