Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Tutorial- Adding Dimension Using Strips of Paper

Hey Everyone! Today I am going to share a technique that is quick, easy, and fun. I have created a some embellishments that will give some texture and dimension to your card. I am going to show you a technique to make embellishments using some strips of paper. This technique can also be made with ribbon or strips of fabrics. If you use paper I do recommend that it is easier to manipulate a lighter weight paper or cardstock.

You can use a pen to create perfect mountains. The circumference of the pen will determine how large mountain will be. I personally like to make more of an organic pattern of loops, so I don't use tools I just make the mountain and valleys in a random pattern. So some mountains are larger and higher then others.

The first step to this technique is to glue the end of your strip of paper to your card. I recommend using Score-Tape, it's very tacky but not too tacky that if you lift your paper strip it won't ruin the paper underneath it. I cut the strips of paper in various widths to create a more interesting look. Place your pen under the strip of paper, to mold the mound shape. Place a small piece of tape next to the mountain, and attach it to the paper. Pull the pen out from under the mountain. Repeat this step until you are stratified to with amount of  "mountains and valleys." On my orange strip of paper I did this exact technique, but after all of my mountains were made, I pinched the center of the mountain to create a point. This just gives a fun and different look.

The strips with the smaller mountains were made with a score board. I scored at every 1/8 of an each, scoring both the top and back of the paper.  If you have a paper crimper, you can also create this same look.

The possibilities for this technique are endless. For my card, I stamped and colored the "Robo Star" and attached it to my card. I made my strips look like a starburst coming out from behind the robot. This technique can be altered in various way, just make it your own and have fun with it. This will definitely bring something fun to your project! I hope you enjoyed my tutorial!