Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Technique Tuesday - PAPER PLEATING

HOW TO PLEAT PAPER

I have had a request for a how-to on paper pleating, so decided to write my Technique Tuesday on the paper pleating technique.  It's a really easy technique to do, and the results are very striking.  Often a little pleating on a card or page is just the thing it needs.  Here's how it's done: 

PINCH PLEATS 


  • Begin with a strip of paper approximately 1 1/2" wide. Score first at the 1" mark, then at the 1 1/2" mark, then at 2 1/2", then at 3", alternating between adding 1/2" and 1" until you get to the end of your strip.                                                 
  • Apply tape runner along the top edge of your scored strip (either edge if no pattern).
  • Using the scored lines, accordion fold the pre-scored strip.  Beginning at the left side, make a mountain fold (paper folds up like a mountain), then a valley fold (paper folds down, like a valley).  Repeat mountain and valley folds, tucking each 1/2" section behind the 1" sections to form the pleats.
  • To create a longer strip, repeat the process on a second strip.  Adhere to first strip by taping two half-inch sections together. This is so the seam will be tucked behind a pleat, where it will not show from the front of your card or page.
  • If you like a distressed look, lightly sand or sponge ink to your pleats, or distress the top and bottom edges.
  • Adhere to card or page with tape runner.  For a more finished look, attach ribbon or trim along the top edge of the pleated strip to hide the edge.

BOX PLEATS


  • Begin with a strip of paper your desired width, say 1/2" or 1", depending on where you will use it. Score at 1", then 3/8", then 1", then 3/8" intervals along entire strip on back of paper.
  • Starting at one end, begin pulling and pinching and pleating on the scored lines.  You will be folding the 3/8" scores toward each other, alternating from front and back sides, until all folds are completed.
  • Run tape runner across the back of the strip to hold the pleats in place.
  • Adhere to card or page with tape runner.  For a more finished look, attach ribbon or trim along the top edge of the strip to hide the edge.
  • On this card, I lined the "valleys" with tan cardstock to offset the pleats and break up all the green. I just cut 1/2" strips of tan and taped them in the valleys.
That's it!!  I told you it was easy!  Now, you try it.  And be sure to let me see what you created!

Enjoy and savor this glorious fall day!!

lynda

3 comments:

  1. WOW! I love the pleated paper! It looks so elegant and adds great dimension. Thanks for sharing- love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Lynda,
    Just found your blog (through your email :-)The pleated paper looks great - thanks for sharing this technique. Can't wait to get your card ! Yay!

    ReplyDelete

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