Best Practices in Paper Crafts – Tips from the Experts

There are dozens of books available for both the budding and experienced paper crafter. But which book do you buy? In addition to the types of projects found in each, how about evaluating books based on the real world advice they provide? Here is a sampling of tips that you can use immediately in your next paper crafts projects, complete with credit for the talented and insightful authors who penned them.

"When making a multi-material book, be sure to take into consideration the thickness of your pages. A combination of thick and thin pages is preferable to avoid making the book so thick that it can’t be closed and always yawns open."
"Cardboard is very easy to alter and is extremely lightweight. Experiment with inks, embossing powders or fabric dyes to give your chipboard and cardboard a facelift."
Expert Source: Carol Winger and Tena Sprenger, in their book "Artful Memories: Create One of a Kind Scrapbook Pages, Memory Books and Framed Art." North Light Books, 2006. ISBN 1-58180-810-0

"You may wish to apply glaze to brass eyelets to hold them in place once they have been inserted."
"When punching shapes from Washi paper, "place a piece of scrap paper underneath for stability and ease of punching."
Expert Source: Laurie Goodson and Betsey McLoughlin, in their book "Altered Books: Special Effects." Design Originals. ISBN 1-57421-478-0.

"It’s O.K. if your words or images fall off the page! Whether purposely or accidentally, having only half a stamped image, at the edge of your page can suggest repetition, continuous movement, or fragmented or harried feelings."
"When in doubt, make it big. Use bigger lettering and make a bold statement!"
Expert Source: Karen Dinino and Linda Woods, in their book "Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos & Altered Books." North Light Books, 2006. ISBN 1-58180-770-8

"Using short, jabbing motions will help you get good coverage over the surface of (a) brayer."
"Stippling uses very little paint. Always apply the paint to your stipple brush and then tap off the excess paint onto scrap paper."
Expert Source: Alisa Harkless, in her book "Incredible Ink Techniques." Grace Publications, 2003.