In addition to my embellishment addiction, I am a paper junkie. I love patterned papers and cardstock! New colors and designs are hitting the shelves all the time, and I find myself saying, “I’ve got to have that!” more often. Since my paper collection is growing faster than I can use it, I’m starting to feel a little overwhelmed at times by all the beautiful and exciting papers; I want to use them all.

This month we are going to get back to the basics with a couple of easy techniques that can be used on almost anything: tags, borders, frames, mats, journaling blocks, even a photograph (duplicates of course!). Let’s get those papers out of the binders and racks and into the scrapbooks! Do you remember weaving placemats out of construction paper in elementary school? That same easy technique can be used in our scrapbooks, adding a little dimension, interest and texture. This is also a great way to use up some of those scraps we can’t bear to throw away. The first step in paper weaving is choosing what type of project you’d like to do. Then choose your paper. You can use patterned paper or cardstock in all the same colors or complimentary to your photos or use whatever you happen to have on hand for a cool mosaic effect. Cut the paper into strips, either all the same width or varied. Weave the pieces together using the same over under technique from our elementary school days. Depending on what look you are going for, weave the strips close together for a tight weave or spaced out for a loose weave. Use adhesive tabs or glue to adhere the end pieces and you’ve just added a little extra flair to your page. Another great technique that has been around for ages is paper tearing. It’s also easy to do and it adds that little extra something to your project. You can use any type of paper. Usually patterned papers are only colored on the top layer so when torn you get a white edge. Since most cardstocks are dyed all the way through the end product is a subtle textured look. The hardest part about this technique is choosing the paper. Once you have picked out the paper you are going to use, decide how wide of a piece you want, then rip away. I usually tear the paper pulling it towards my body and using my thumb as a guide. If you are looking for a straighter less ragged edge lay a ruler down flat on top of your paper then tear as usual along the ruler. Adding extra dimension is easy to do by using decorating chalks, metallic rub-ons, watercolors or embossing powder on the torn edge.









So the next time your layout is looking a bit bare or a little plain, consider dressing it up with a torn edge or some paper weaving. Happy Scrappin’.