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Crafter's Corner PAPER FOLDING - SNOWFLAKE (October 30, 2008)
This is a brilliant way to use up your border strips. I have quite a stack of these and use them loads, for all sorts of things - but I had never thought of using them for paper FOLDING. This is an old patchwork technique, but - hay - if you can do it with fabric: you can do it with paper.
I am just going to give you the basic 'how to'. Follow the directions for the first one, then start experimenting with colours and sizes.
This is what we are making. You will have to excuse my grotty photos - the new camera is so sensitive and I have not got the hang of it yet.
For the example piece you will need:-
1 2" x 12" strip for centre layer
2 2" x 12" strips for snowflake patten layers
2 2" x 12" strips for outer framing layers
A4 piece of thin card to mount on - does not matter what - it will be covered up
Take each strip, fold over the top 1cm (score with your folder or an embossing ball for a sharper fold) - then cut in half - and in half again. I find it easier to do the fold first, but do experiment to see which way you prefer
Here we see - from top left
1) cut section with top folded over.
2) pinch in the centre of the folded over side to find middle
3) fold first half down from folded side
4) fold other side to make a neat mitre point.
The top point is more important than the bottom part as it will show.
Next - take your backing card and fold in half along both sides to find the centre point.
Then put the 4 sections of your bottom layer so that the points meet in the centre. Just tape the bottom with a bit of selotape to keep in place. You can see the tape in the scan, and the shadows of the creases so you keep the lines straight.
Now you start the second pattern layer.
Lay your shapes to cover the join lines of your first layer. Keep the centre fold lines straight along the underneath joining lines.
Keep the points all 1cm from the centre, and again tape the wide part down.
Part 2 of the second layer.
Again the centre fold of the section covers the join line of the pieces underneath.
keep the points 1cm from the centre point and tape down the wide part.
2nd layer complete
Now you add the 3rd pattern layer.
Cross-ways again - you should be able to see the patterns now: centre fold covers the joining line of the underneath layer.
And the last layer covers the corners to complete the snowflake pattern.
I put a brad in the centre to hold the points flat. If you like, you can put a spot of glue under each point to hold them flat. The original patchwork design is left rise up wards as the under layers push them.
I cut a circle out of card to mount it - you do need an upper mount to cover all the workings.
You could make it square, or much smaller so only the tips show.
Try smaller strips - cut 1" off 8" paper and see what size it turns out.
Try making the base layer a glitter / shiny paper and the rest one colour.
Try working it in 2 colours - alternately.
This is very much an experimenting project, have fun.
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