Corrugated paper facing

Contrary to its name, trimming has nothing to do with the processing of the ends of any object. This design technique, often used to decorate postcards and paintings, is related to applications, but unlike the latter is aimed at creating volume. It is very easy to learn the intricacies of facing, therefore such an activity is ideal for leisure with small children.

Crossing: what is it?

The main attractiveness of the paintings created by the technique of facing, lies in their some lightness and lightness, which is achieved through the use of corrugated paper - more subtle and transparent, in comparison with the usual color. And also due to the technology of its cutting and fixing. Unlike other methods of working with paper, trimming doesn’t play a role in trimming the parts: on the contrary, the more uneven the edges appear, the more attractive the finished picture will be, since it will have an individual relief. True, some rules still need to be observed in order not to overstep the line between deliberate negligence, giving liveliness, and unattractive, carelessly performed work.

To translate the idea conceived in the technique of trimming, in addition to the picture, you need to stock up on colored corrugated paper, which is cut into small 1.5-2 cm wide and long elements of square, triangular or round shape. In this case, as already mentioned, the edges can be made not only smooth, but also zigzag, wavy, etc. The main thing is not to unnecessarily increase the size of parts. If the picture is large, you can make 3 * 3 cm squares, but not more. The smaller they are, the more they will appear on a certain area, as a result of which the filled form will look more holistic.

The paper is fixed on glue using a thin long object: it can be a pencil or a match: the area of ​​its end should be small, and at the same time it will be inconvenient to use a thin needle. The match is set exactly in the center of the paper element, after which its edges are raised, clasping the match, and twist along it a little. Then the paper is pressed down with your fingers to the side edges of the match in order to reinforce the resulting paper shape, and the element sits on the chosen place with the help of glue. At the end of it, in the same center where the match stood, press down for 5-7 seconds. According to this algorithm, each paper blank is glued, and the larger the area that needs to be filled, the longer it will take to work with the product, since the elements are placed at the junction with each other, with the maximum density. When examining the finished area, the parts docking should not be noticeable: a craftsmanship that is visually high-quality in the technique of facing always resembles an expensive fluffy carpet.

Those who are just trying themselves with this paperwork technique are encouraged to start with simple “pictures”, practicing not only the step of twisting and fixing parts, but also transitions and color combinations. For example, spreading a rainbow, trying to make the softest stretch possible, which is achieved by selecting a large number of shades of paper and smoothly interspersing the elements into each other. If you want to try to experiment with the form, building flexible lines, start with simple geometric shapes and their bundles: first fill the circle, making it as smooth as possible, then connect it with an oval - you get the head and torso of a person. Then you can begin to deform the usual details: bend a few lines of the triangle so that you get a butterfly wing, or stretch its base in places and round the top, getting a barely opened tulip bud.

Technique of folding of corrugated paper: description

• The basic principles of trimming as techniques were discussed above, but it is worth understanding that trimming does not always represent the filling of a specific area. For example, there is a contour-cutting technique, the name of which speaks for itself: fluffy paper twists frame the selected shape around the perimeter, and the center can either remain empty or be decorated in other techniques - quilling, scrapbooking, etc. Also contour facing looks interesting on handicrafts made in a monochrome scale or using only 1 color, different from the background color. The drawn outline of the picture is simply duplicated by a twisted paper to match the tone, and, not always completely - perhaps, only in areas that you want to add volume.
• Plane trimming is a classic for paintings and postcards, which was already discussed above. This is the traditional filling of any form on the plane, and, with the combination of all forms of the pattern, a smooth terry carpet of twisted paper is obtained. Due to the small size of the paper elements, all the lines, contours and borders of the picture are preserved, and the picture does not lose clarity and ideas.
• There is also a volumetric trimming technique: the algorithm of work is similar to the algorithm for the planar one, but the bulk figurine - box, figurine, etc. is tightly glued in with paper twists. Besides the fact that in this way you can give a new life to an old thing, such a design idea allows you to create figures on a simple basis of cardboard, gypsum, clay, etc., “reviving” them not with a brush and paints, but through paper decoration. Here, the degree of twisting, the angle of inclination during fixation, and the size of the paper parts often vary depending on the particular shape to be wrapped in paper. Moreover, the elements are not always attached with glue: for example, the plasticine base will independently hold the paper pieces, without additional funds.
• The last option, which should be considered as a subtype of any of the previous techniques, rather than in a separate way, is trimming with layers. It implies gluing paper twisted blanks into each other, at the same time varying their size and density, which makes it possible to achieve very soft color transitions or realistic volume on a plane. All this affects the overall perception of crafts: the same green grass in the picture will look livelier and more natural, if in places of shading it will be done in a dark green shade, and where the sun's rays fall in light green. Apply flaky facing can be for contour, and for other techniques.

Original Ideas

On the Internet and magazines dedicated to needlework, you can find a lot of various pictures that will serve as the basis for planar or contour trimming, but sometimes you want something special, your own. If you have basic skills of working with graphic editors, you can draw the necessary sketch on a graphic tablet, print it in a certain size and design using a trimming technique. Or do the same in Photoshop using brushes, which are a variety of elements - from basic geometric shapes to full details of nature, clothing, silhouettes, etc. You can also outline the contours of the future picture by hand, using a pencil for this - it will not be so rubbed and stamped like a pen, especially at the moment of contact with glue. It is not necessary to perform complex drawings: it is enough to simply designate the forms that will be filled in, or the contours that need to be duplicated.

If in other techniques - quillings, etc. - even simple elements looked quite impressive, then in the facing much more interesting are the pictures that have at least 4-5 details in themselves. Even if it is a simple sun, a cloud, a house, an apple tree nearby and a wooden fence, then this is already a finished product, which, after filling it with paper twists, becomes voluminous and alive, as well as carrying a holistic idea. A single flower, decorated on the technology of facing, will look no worse only if a volumetric technique is used, on the originally constructed frame of this flower. But even here it is much more attractive - bonsai and topiary: artificial flower trees. By the way, through the volumetric technique of trimming, you can even create a bridal bouquet from "artificial flowers", or arrange a wedding table.

Corrugated paper facing is a great idea for home evening with children or even alone. Handicrafts made using this technology are distinguished by special tactile softness and visual grace, and when combining several techniques one can get unusual but very attractive paintings and sculptures at once.