Mulberry paper may seem like one of those products that you have had in your supply box for awhile and simply have not used. In this article you will learn new ways to use this paper, and perhaps you will be reminded of some old favorites. Check with your local scrapbook retailer for products used in this article.
Texture is hot in scrapbooking, and Mulberry papers are perfect to add texture to your pages without adding bulk. Mulberry papers come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find one that will fit your many projects.
The best way to show the texture of these papers is by tearing. To get a fairly straight edge from tearing, wet a small paintbrush with water and paint it along the edge of your paper, then tear along the wet edge. This technique will leave you with a lot of fibers jutting out from the edges for that perfect look.
The examples below use winter photos for which Mulberry papers are the perfect medium. The texture makes them seem warm and cozy. They can also take on the look of drifted snow and icy crystals.
A basic way to use Mulberry paper is to journal on it. Try running it through the printer like regular paper--it can give off a nice subtle look. Mulberry paper is somewhat translucent like vellum, so it can blend with your background nicely.
Another use of Mulberry paper is to use it as a large photo mat. Make sure to leave enough of the mat showing behind the photo so you can see the nice texture of the paper. Tear at least one side of the mat so you can have the loose fibers showing on the edge. Here are two examples of this large mat technique.
A more advanced technique, is to glue the Mulberry paper to a plain metal frame--then tear around the edges. This makes a beautiful textured frame to match any paper.
Try using it behind stencil letters to add some color. Adhere it behind the letters and then tear the edges. In this example, see how the stencil letters are inked to perfectly match the layout.
Finally, use the Mulberry behind clear domed alphabet stickers. You can add color to the letters and the wispy fibers create a neat look to the edges. Simply stick the letters on the Mulberry paper and tear around each one.
So, pull out your Mulberry papers and try to incorporate them into your next layouts. You might be pleasantly surprised with how versatile it can be. Check our Premier Store Listing for coupons to a store near you.
