Marisa Edghill - Paper & Tape

CUT, TAPE, AND FOLD
your way through more than
75 creative & colorful
papercraft projects & ideas

Marisa Edghill

2016 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc. Published by Walter Foster Publishing, a division of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

All rights reserved. Walter Foster is a registered trademark.

Artwork and photographs 2016 Marisa Edghill.

Acquiring Project Editor: Stephanie Carbajal

Page Layout: Krista Joy Johnson

Digital edition: 978-1-63322-913-6

Softcover edition: 978-1-63322-048-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

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This book has been produced to aid the aspiring artist. Reproduction of work for study or finished art is permissible. Any art produced or photomechanically reproduced from this publication for commercial purposes is forbidden without written consent from the publisher, Walter Foster Publishing.

You can find all the templates for the projects in this book, plus exclusive bonus projects, at www.quartoknows.com/page/paper-plus-tape!

Getting to Know Washi Tape

Originally from Japan, washi tape can now be found just about everywhere and in almost any color or design imaginable. Once an item that had to be sourced online, these pretty tapes are now available at art and craft stores, specialty stores, and even dollar stores. But why is this tape so popular? What makes it special? And what on earth are you supposed to do with it?

What is Washi Tape?

Quite simply, washi tape is a prettier version of masking tape specifically designed for art and craft purposes. True washi tape is always made out of paper (never plastic), is more delicate than standard masking tape, is often translucent (but never transparent), and uses a low-tack adhesive. Washi tape is easy to tear and cut, can be written on, and is removable and repositionable on most surfaces without damaging the tape or the surface. Not to be confused with paper tapes, washi tape uses delicate Japanese-style paper as a base. High-quality washi tapes are also acid-free, lignin-free, and in rare cases, food-safe.

Why Washi Tape?

Washi tape is the ultimate multi-tasker! Use it to stick pictures on your bedroom wall, seal a package in the kitchen, decorate outgoing mail, or even to dress up old furniture. The tapes are pretty but strong, and the low-tack adhesive makes them easy to use, no matter your skill level. This combo of great design with an abundance of stress-free uses has made these tapes popular with people, crafty or not, all over the world.

Building Your Washi Tape Collection

There are so many different tape designs and brands out there that deciding which tapes to purchase can be overwhelming. I think a great collection includes a mix of solids and patterns in a variety of widths, plus a few special designs that you really love. While special designs and die-cut tapes are more fun than the basics, they tend to be less flexible for art and craft purposes.

Using Washi Tape

The easiest way to use washi tape is to simply tear a strip and stick it to the desired surface. But there are many other ways to use this material for both decorative and functional purposes. Through the projects in this book, youll discover a variety of techniques that will help you unlock the full potential of your tape collection.

Picking a Backing Paper

Whether youre making a large shape out of multiple tape strips or cutting tiny details out of a small piece, backing paper makes things easier. Choose a paper that tape peels easily off of, such as parchment paper and wax paper (use the unwaxed side). My favorite kind is the shiny backing paper from shipping labels. If your office goes through a lot of labels, rescue the backing papers from the recycling bin and bring them home to craft with.

Punching Sticker Shapes

Punching stickers out of washi tape can be tricky. To avoid frustration, first apply tape to a piece of backing paper. If youre using multiple strips of tape, ensure each piece of tape slightly overlaps the one placed before it. Position a piece of card stock behind the tape-covered backing paper. Using the paper punch, punch upward through the card stock to create your sticker. To use the sticker, simply peel off the paper backing.

Stocking Your Papercraft Cupboard

Self-healing cutting mat

Craft knife (with extra blades)

Scissors and glue

Washi tape in a variety of sizes and designs

Glitter tape

Hole punches

Paper embellishments