Paper Craft for Décor and Gifts
Perhaps a paper
wedding dress or suit isn’t quite a good idea (although it has been
done!) but apart from that, there are few limits on what you can create in
the way of décor and gifts for weddings. There are so many ways to use
paper—from quilling and quilting, to scrap-booking and paper-folding—that it’s
possible to decorate an entire wedding simply using various types of paper.
Starting with hand-designed and hand-made wedding invitations such as those by
Kerry at Kerry’s Paper Crafts. Other decorative items that can be hand-made
using paper include coasters, place cards, menus, and gift boxes.
Tissue-paper-thin decorations can look ethereally lovely, especially when
paired with well-placed spot lighting.
Even the bride’s
bouquet (not to mention center-pieces) can be crafted from paper, and
surprisingly enough, a classical, elegant look can be obtained using sheets
from old books. These roses are made by paper-crafter Valerie
Lloyd, and a tutorial for making these pretty blooms is provided by 100
Layer Cake.
Paper quilting and
quilling both lend themselves to the wedding theme extremely well. Mixed media
collage artist Michaela Laurie, has developed several paper quilting techniques
which involve piecing together paper and sewing it just like a quilt. A quite
different technique with a similar name, paper quilling is the practice of
rolling, shaping, and gluing paper in decorative shapes and patterns. The
technique was developed during the renaissance period and popularized during
the eighteenth century. Recently rediscovered, the art of quilling has been
transformed by the multitude of colors and paper types now available. Quilling
techniques have become highly intricate, as seen in this example by Manuela
Koosch of Quilling by
Manuk. Both quilting and quilling can be used to create extraordinary works
of art that make wonderful wedding gifts, and of course are perfect for
traditional first anniversary gifts.
Part One HERE
Part Two HERE
Enjoy!
