Paper Crafts

History

Paper may be the most versatile media used in arts and crafts. Sheets can be folded, cut, glued, painted, twisted, woven, punched, and more. There is a rich tradition of paper crafts upon which many current techniques are based, while new materials and enthusiasm for paper in the art community have also generated new techniques.

Cai Lun, an official in the court of Han Emperor He, is credited with inventing paper in 105 CE. Lun created a pulp from the bark of the mulberry tree, then spread it out so that it dried in sheets. As the Chinese made improvements by adding rag or old fishing nets to the pulp, paper replaced silk and bamboo as the primary material used for writing and wood blockprints.

China kept papermaking a secret until about the tenth century, when paper replaced papyrus in Egypt. As word of the invention spread into Europe during the Crusades, paper replaced the newer invention of parchment. It was called "papier," in France, and "paper" in Middle English, a derivative of the word "papyrus."

In 1440, Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press, and the demand for paper soared. Thus began the mass production of paper made from cotton and linen fibers, which provided inexpensive paper that was widely available for public use.

China is credited as the place of origin of many paper crafts, including papier-mâché, paper cutting, and découpage, although Europe is often erroneously credited for these innovations.

Découpage, which comes from the French term "decouper," meaning "to cut," became popular in Italy during the seventeenth century, where it was referred to as "arte povero," or "poor man's art." Découpage, which involves the application of a lacquer to a surface covered with cut-out paper designs, continues to be an inexpensive means of decorating furniture and household items. The craft was revived during the Victorian era in Britain, and in the last few decades of the twentieth century in the United States.

In Germany, the art of paper cutting became known as "scherenschnitte." Flowers, trees, and natural landscapes were all popular subjects for paper cutting.

In France, the art of layering paper became known as "collage," from the term "coller," meaning "to glue." Pablo Picasso and other modern artists popularized the use of collage during the early twentieth century.

Other paper crafts that experienced a revival in the late twentieth century include quilling, origami, bookmaking, and card making. Handmade papers provide aesthetically pleasing material for many of these projects. Decorative paper can be created using marbling and paste paper techniques, rubber stamping, and creative lettering. Decorative papers are often used to cover boxes, vases, and other items.

Innovative gadgets, such as decorative paper cutters, scissors, and crimpers, add to the many possibilities for unique paper crafts.

Basic supplies for a well-stocked craft shelf

• Various types and colors of paper
• Paper cutter

Glue

• Cutting mat
• Craft knives
• Scissors

Pencils

• Metal ruler, t-square, and other rulers

Tape

• Color wheel
• Paints (acrylic and watercolor) and brushes
• Gesso (primer)
• Colored pencils, pens, crayons, pastels, and/or markers
• Decorative punches
• Crimping tool
• Preservative spray
• Rubber-stamping supplies
• Old magazines, catalogs, newspapers, wrapping paper, calendars, greeting cards, ticket stubs, etc.

Examples of different types of paper include matte, textured, glossy, vellum, watercolor, acid-free, handmade, and card stock.

Additional supplies for individual paper crafts include

• Papier-mâché:
• Newspaper or other scrap paper
• Wallpaper paste or papier-mâché mix
• Mixing container

Molds

• Water-based varnish
• Cardboard
• Petroleum jelly

Découpage

• Old magazines or other paper designs
• Surface (such as a wooden tray, vase, or box)

Lacquer

Quilling (paper filigree)

• Quilling tool
• Quilling paper
• Rubber bands
• Paperclips
• Tweezers
• Surface upon which to mount the design

Paper cutting

• Cuticle scissors
• Tracing paper
• Designs/patterns
• Parchment
• Colored paper for backgrounds
• Surface upon which to mount the design

Origami

• Origami paper

Collage

• Tissue paper
• Background paper or other surface
• Old magazines and greeting cards, etc.

Bookmaking

Paper

• Needle and thread (special bookbinding, linen, or embroidery thread)
• Cover material

Silk

Ribbon

Paste

• Brushes for adhesive
• String, metallic cord, natural materials (flowers, petals, etc.,) glittery twine, decorative paper for endpapers, or heavier paper for spine (all optional)

Decorative paste paper

• Starch paste (may be home-made with flour, water, and paint)
• Variety of items to drag, push, or swirl across the paper, such as a toothbrush, combs, plastic fork, calligraphy pens, piece of pasta, etc.

Techniques

While paper crafts vary greatly, they have one thing in common: paper. Paper can fade if not archival, it can rip, become dog-eared, imbedded with dirt, or ruined by a spilled drink if not cared for properly. While some paper crafts include a final stage (in which varnish or lacquer is applied) that is intended to prevent these problems, are more vulnerable. Whenever possible, finished paper crafts should be framed or otherwise protected.

Papier-mâché may be the most versatile paper craft. Jewelry, picture frames, decorative bowls, sculptures, and toys are just a few possible projects. Most objects are created by covering a mold, which can be a balloon, bowl, wire skeleton, cardboard box, or other rigid form. In addition, a mold that is not left inside the finished product may be used; simply coat the mold with petroleum jelly, and when the papier-mâché has dried, gently pry it away from the mold.

Trends

Among modern crafters, no paper craft has reached a greater level of popularity than card making. Other paper crafts have had steady followings for decades, although interest in quilling, collage, altered books, papermaking, and bookmaking continue to grow in popularity.

Self-expression is perhaps the most prominent trend in paper crafts. With so many techniques and materials from which to choose, it is easier than ever to create original work that expresses the crafter's personality and artistic sensibility.

Paper Crafts for Fun vs. Profit

There are many ways to earn money with paper crafts. Because so many of projects are quick and inexpensive to make, they can be priced within any budget, making them attractive to a wide range of buyers.

In addition to selling household decorations, framed art, handmade journals and other items at craft shows, decorative and handmade paper may be sold to scrapbookers, and paper beads to jewelry makers in the wholesale market. In the twenty-first century, many artisans sell their work online. There are also opportunities to do custom work for interior designers, area businesses, and individuals planning weddings and other events. Finally, a paper crafter may teach courses and even write a how-to book.

Learning More

Organizations

Guild of American Papercutters <https://www.papercutters.org/>

Guild of Book Workers <https://guildofbookworkers.org/>

International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists <https://www.iapma.info/>

Paper Tole Institute <http://www.papertole.org/>

Books

Cusick, Dawn (Ed.). Michaels Book of Paper Crafts. New York: Lark Books, 2005.

Hercher, Gail. Crafting with Handmade Paper. Gloucester: Rockport Pub., 2000.

Painter, Lucy. 125 Papercraft Projects: Step-by-Step Papier Mache, Decoupage, Paper Cutting, Collage, Decorative Effects, and Paper Construction. Anness Publishing, 2018.

Woods, Linda & Karen Dinimo. The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos, and Altered Books. Cincinnati: North Light Books, 2006.