If you are looking for an interesting way to add texture to your papercraft projects, cellophane is perfect. You can use it to achieve a custom style vinyl look. Or if you prefer, it creates interesting dimension similar to a transparency. Unlike a transparency, it adds a fun, crinkly texture.
Supplies
Cellophane packaging
Paint
Stamps
Solvent Ink like StazOn
Paintbrush or sponge
Supplies to create a card, journal page or scrapbook layout with
Needle and thread or sewing machine
Step One Cut cellophane packaging into a single sheet. If you are making a card, you may wish to cut a smaller size piece. Note: Cellophane is delicate and may not cut into even shapes. We’re aiming for a fun, artsy look. There is no need to worry about the unevenness.
Step Two Pour a little paint onto the cellophane and spread it out.
Note: You can use either a brush or sponge. Both provide different textures. The sponge gives a smoother look while the brush will leave a more distressed look. It’s also up to you how many coats you wish to apply. Two coats make the cellophane look like a type of vinyl tape. One coat will allow parts of your base paper to peek through.
If desired, you can use a paper towel to rub off sections of the paint. This works best if you use only one coat of paint on the cellophane. If you remove too much, it is easily fixed by adding a little more paint. You could also opt to add a second color of paint.
Step Three Choose a Stamp and apply your desired image. You will be stamping on the glossy top of the cellophane.
Note: For a more distressed look, try not to ink the whole stamp. Stamp off the image so that some portions are crisper than others.
Step Four To adhere the cellophane to your base paper, simply sew it on. It’s easiest with a sewing machine, but can also be stitched onto the page by hand. Alternatively, you could also use brads to adhere the cellophane to your base paper.
Note: You may find that the cellophane bunches a bit as you sew it on. If It does so, try to fold it as you go along. Remember, your goal is to add fun, crinkly texture.
Step Five Now you have a canvas to embellish as you desire.
Instead of throwing it away in the trash, keep your cellophane and add some fun, crinkly texture to your next papercraft layout.
Follow the Leader by Christy Strickler Supplies Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye; Letters: American Crafts; Die Cuts: Basic Grey, Sassfrass; Brads: Basic Grey, Unknown; Stamp: Jenni Bowlin; Ink: Tsukineko; Other: cellophane, paint