By Nikki Phipps
Papercrafting implements ideas from our ancestors, long ago when luxuries were few. Back then paper provided people with a charming, affordable alternative to decorating. Paper was often seen both lining the shelves as well as edging them. Paper could be seen covering tables in lieu of tablecloths. During holidays, paper cones were fashioned into cozy stockings, paper ornaments were hung on trees, and paper dolls and chains would be strung up as garland. Using paper from old books, newspaper, magazines, and more you can easily create old-time country appeal to your home décor and other items. Simply cut, fold, or paste any of these into creative decorative pieces.
Put your pile of old newspapers to good use. Whether it takes the form of the comics or simple black and white print, newspaper can actually make attractive wrapping for gifts throughout the year simply by adding decorative touches like bows, ribbons, fancy trims, and even stickers. Colorful magazine advertisements also make lovely gift wrap for small gifts. If you’re into traveling, collect newspapers, magazines, candy wrappers, and any other interesting looking paper. These stylish designs and foreign typefaces look great on gift-wrapping too. You can also put them to use as tags and collaged cards. Brown or white paper bags make great papercrafting material, offering numerous design possibilities. Cut bags so they lay flat. Turn them over so any print remains on the inside. For gift-wrap, tie with raffia or colorful ribbons. Adorn them with things from nature: pinecones and seedpods, sprigs of berries, dried flowers, or small branches. They make good and inexpensive book covers too. Dress these up with markers, stickers, or other types of paper. White paper also makes a superb canvas for adding a creative touch. A variety of paper can be elegantly fashioned into beautiful wall hangings as well. Crafted from stylish wrapping paper or charming magazine photos, these paper wall hangings can be used as a background for sculptures and other focal points or simply left on their own. Paper is equally impressive when used as a window treatment too.
Another alternative is decoupage. This art was also known as poor man’s art because those who couldn’t afford to decorate their furniture or home would create stunning effects with paper cutouts pasted on and covered with layers of varnish or lacquer. With this form of papercrafting, you cut out pictures and glue them onto an object, covering this with a few coats of glue or decoupage medium to protect it. Nearly any type of paper can be used for this age-old style of decorating, from seed catalogs, magazines, old books, wallpaper, gift-wrapping, lace paper doilies, posters, maps, Valentines, and greeting cards. For instance, maps of all sorts are quite popular in decoupage. Some people prefer to use wallpaper paste, but any water-soluble pastes, decoupage mediums, or glues will work. Use a damp cloth to press down the edges and wipe off any excess glue. To create an aged look to your decoupage, just trickle on some tea or black coffee. The type of finish depends on the object; however, several coats of varnish, lacquer, or a decoupage medium are generally sufficient.