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Paper Piecing

Pattern from Two Peas in a Bucket.

What is it?
By adhering pieces of different colors, textures and patterns of paper, you complete a dimensional image to add as an embellishment to your scrapbook page.

Why should you try it?

• It adds dimension, life and texture to your scrapbooks. Use chalk, pop dots and different weights of paper to create even more dimension.
• It's versatile: make patterns from almost anything.
• You can coordinate two-page layouts by using the same paper for the piecing as for matting photos or doing borders.
• The paper piecing you do is as unique as you are.

How do you do it?

1. Choose a pattern and paper. Scraps work well for paper piecing.
2. Make sure you have a removable adhesive handy. Hermafix dots are my favorite for this technique, though the dots can leave residue on super glossy papers.
3. Make several copies of your pattern. (This will save you the tracing step, plus assures you won't accidentally use your original.)
4. Adhere one of the copies to the right side of your paper with removable adhesive. Using a sharp pair of scissors, trim around both the copied pattern and the paper.
5. Continue with all pieces.
6. Chalk the individual pieces before assembly, just around the edges, if desired.
7. Assemble the piecing.
8. Add accents as desired, such as pen stitching, fibers, google eyes, gems, eyelets and more. Glitter and other items also add for fun details.

What about copyrights?
It is legal to use copyrighted images in your personal scrapbooks. But I would caution you on selling them. Also, keep in mind the artists who created the original patterns. The cost of patterns is usually minimal.

Pattern by Pazzles.

Where can I see layouts with paper piecing in them?
Check out my Museum for some bragging pieces I did.

Where can I find patterns?
I'd recommend visiting a search engine site, such as Google and entering in "paper piecing patterns" for more results. Here are a few links I've found useful:

• www.twopeasinabucket.com
• www.gracefulbee.com
• www.scrappinbyalaine.com
• www.piecebynumber.com
• www.scrappershaven.com/creativersity.htm
• www.homestead.com/steph6467/Patterns.html
• www2.prestel.co.uk/laine/scraptastic/archive/
• www.scrapbook-tips.com
• www.piecesofu.com
• www.stargazerpatterns.com
• www.geocities.com/sc_lay/patterns.html
• www.rememberwhenonline.com
• www.successfactors.org/queenb/pc.patterns.html
• www.foxtales.net

More Techniques...