scrappilyeverafter

alisonrasmussen
independentmanager#879

Similar to paper tearing, mastering this technique will extend your scrapbook and stamping supplies with very few tools. This budget-friendly technique can offer a shabby chic to your cards and layouts, adding extra dimension without extra bulk. Be sure to try out the other options listed below as well.

Supplies

• Paper of your choice

Technique

1. Choose your paper. You can use the crumpled paper as a background, as accents, or for punches or your Sizzix machine.

2. Decorate your paper before crumpling. If you want to stamp it, do this now.

3. Next, take the whole sheet in your hand and crumple it into a tiny ball. Flatten it out and crumple it again, till you get an even texture.

Extra Hints and Tips

• Be sure to use extra sticky adhesive—I prefer Hermafix tabs—when adhering the paper to other items. Its texture makes it hard to stick.
• Heavier cardstock might crumple more easily when wet. You can spritz them with water before you crumple.
• Try crumpling different weights of paper, including vellum, for some more variety.
• For a dazzling effect, try spritzing the paper with a trial-size bottle of hairspray mixed with a half teaspoon of PearlEx in the color of your choice, then proceed to crumpling. Be sure to let the paper dry before using it.
• Crumpled paper can also be accented with chalk for more dimension. This is great to use with kraft paper, since it tends to be a bit plain. The chalk brings out a little more dimension.
• In addition to chalking, you can also use a little bit of fine sand paper to add more dimension. Sand the paper lightly (in one direction) and then add chalk if desired.
• Tear the edges of the paper before or after crumpling for a more natural look.

 

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