Parchment crafting is an ancient craft, dating back to the 15th or 16th century.It uses other techniques as well, such as perforating, cutting, outlining, coloring, and Blending, but it focuses primarily on embossing.Some people like to add it to handmade cards to create a delicate look, while others prefer to mount it on a sheet of paper.It may look intimidating at first, but once you know what to do, it is simple.
Step 1: A template can be created on a piece of paper.
You can either draw the design on the paper or use a computer to print it out.If the lines are not dark, they won't be seen behind the paper.Draw a straight line down the middle of the page if you want to make a card.You can place your design on the left or right.
Step 2: You can tape a sheet of paper over the template.
Place the template on a flat surface.Put the paper on top and tape it down.You can trace over the lines with a black pen if you're having trouble seeing them.When you are done, replace the paper.It's not a good idea to use baking parchment paper.
Step 3: You can use a white colored pencil to trace any lines you want.
It's great for borders and frames.The pencil can be used to sketch out other guidelines that are not in the original outline.You can check your work by sliding a sheet of black paper under the template.To make a card, trace the center of the dividing line.If you are making a card, do the outside design on the left first, then flip the card over and use the inside design.
Step 4: Attach the outlines with a liner pen.
Some lines on your design can be flat and colored.As long as it fits your design and color scheme, you can use any color of pen you want.Black will look great.You can check your progress with a blank sheet of white paper.If you are making a card, make the outside design first, then flip the card over and do the inside design.
Step 5: To clean the back of the paper, flip it over and wipe it dry.
Turn the paper over after removing the tape.Rub the back.This will be used to prepare the paper.If you are making a card, wipe the back of the sheet dry.
Step 6: The back side of the mat facing you will be the place to transfer the paper to.
Don't tape the paper down.It is easier to get to the paper when you are rotating it.You can use a dense rubber mat if you don't have an embossing mat.
Step 7: The outlines can be traced with a small ball point tool.
As you put the paper in the machine, the white lines will disappear.When you emboss it, the paper turns white.Do not apply any color to the lines.If you are doing a card, you should use a mall ball point embossing tool.If you are doing a card, you need to do the outside/ left side first, then the inside/right side next.
Step 8: Star and sun shaped tools can be used to make borders.
It's great for borders within your frame.If you created a floral design, you could make a heart shape around it.You want to rock them side-to-side.Each part of the design gets stamped.
Step 9: A ball-point embossing tool can be used to create graduated embossing.
This is great for delicate areas.Lift the tool as you finish the stroke.Curl your wrist to fit the design if you work in layers and rotating the paper.
Step 10: To make sure the back is facing you, transfer the paper to a flat surface.
If you attempt to color the paper on top of the mat, you may accidentally emboss it.If you want to make a card, you need to do this section twice, once for the left side of the paper, and again the right side.
Step 11: You can put a sheet of paper under the work.
It will be easier to see what you are coloring.A white sheet of paper will show off the colors.A black sheet of paper is better for coloring white.
Step 12: You can color in your work with blend-able colored pencils.
You can choose to color in the background or the embossed designs.You could use artist's markers if you don't have colored pencils.If you use markers, you won't be able to erase mistakes.Regular colored pencils will not work if you use Blending pencils.
Step 13: If you want, blend your coloring with a stump and medium.
Put the sponge in a shallow jar or dish.Rub the stump over the colored areas after pressing it into the sponge.The colored pencil will be dissolved by the blend medium.Blending medium can be found in the arts and crafts section.White spirits can also be used.If you can't find a stump, make your own by folding a paper towel and rolling it into a cone.If you used markers to color in your work, use a blend marker.You can find it next to the other artist's markers.
Step 14: After the blending medium dries, erase any mistakes.
The best pencil eraser is a white one.You can color over the mistakes once you have erased them.Even if you didn't use a Blending Medium, you can still erase your mistakes.
Step 15: If you want, you can add some color to the front.
It's a great way to add shading by making the color deeper.You can color in areas on the front that need a deeper color by flipping the paper over.
Step 16: The excess paper can be trimmed with a craft blade.
Use a metal ruler and a craft blade to cut away excess paper outside of your border.If you didn't create a border, then cut it down to the size you want.You will not be able to combine this with the fancy edge.Pick one or the other.
Step 17: The edge should be perforated first for a fancy look.
Place the paper on top of the template.Using the template as a guide, punch the paper with a perforating tool.Use small, pointed scissors to cut the paper between the holes.The excess paper needs to be pulled away.You will not be able to combine this with the straight edge.Pick one or the other.
Step 18: If you want to use your background as a template, you should cut a larger piece of paper.
You can use a metal ruler and a paper slicer.You can use any color you want, but make sure it meshes with your card's design.About 14 inch (0.64 centimeter) would be ideal if you wanted to cut the paper larger.If you are making a card, fold the paper in half and unfold it.The crease should be the same height as your paper.
Step 19: A simple, mounted artwork can be created by stitching the paper onto the card stock.
Place the paper on the card stock with low-tack tape.Make sure that you cross into each corner.Using a needle and white thread, Stitch the paper through the holes.When you are done, remove the lo-tack tape.Place a piece of tape over the back of the paper.This will make them stronger.Adding a design to the corners of the paper is a good idea.This will help hide it.
Step 20: If you are making a card, take the paper through the slit.
Make a crease by folding the paper in half.Go through the slit on the right side.The front of the card should have the left side of your paper on it.The inside of the card should have the right side on it.You can write your message inside the card with a nice pen.