| For the uninitiated, Origami Teabag Folding paper | | | | you have it! And there you have it - another |
| sounds positively weird. But those in the know will | | | | sheet, ready when you need it. One of the joys |
| by now be busy searching for that perfect paper | | | | of using the scanner is that you can really copy |
| folded project that will do this delightful technique | | | | just about anything but it's especially good on |
| justice. What am I talking about? Well Japanese | | | | fabric. So if you're dying to use some of your |
| Origami meets Western paper folding. | | | | favorite textiles,no problem. |
| As a tea-bag folder you'll know how to take | | | | True, you haven't got the typical 4 cm squares |
| advantage of the glorious papers that are | | | | you're familiar with in Tea Bag Folding, but you |
| available. One of the problems for the addict is | | | | can always draft out some cutting lines with a |
| tracking down the perfect paper and once you've | | | | ruler and pencil. And what's more, you can then |
| located a source then it would be foolish to let it | | | | be specific at which bits of the pattern you use |
| go. Suppliers aren't exactly thick on the ground | | | | for your projects. You can use either an acetate |
| and these specialist papers are highly sought after. | | | | sheet, or a clear patchwork acrylic sheet as a |
| But take heart.There are cheaper, and quicker | | | | cutting template. |
| solutions, depending on your home PC set up. | | | | First of all consider 2 things: the range of paper |
| Forget ordering and waiting for papers to come | | | | images on your choice of gift wrap the print |
| via snail mail. We're in the digital age so there are | | | | weight/texture. |
| a number of companies offering digital download. | | | | Thank of all the possibilities before purchase. |
| Now that's what I call instant gratification. Of | | | | Will you get enough repeat patterns from the gift |
| course there's the quality issue (have you got the | | | | wrap sheet to provide you with the number of |
| right paper)? But if this becomes your preferred | | | | units that you need? |
| way of getting your stock then you really need | | | | Can you make the most of an overall pattern? (if |
| to invest in the right paper. | | | | that's your choice)? |
| Look at it from the practical point of view. You | | | | What parts of the design might you take |
| know how it is. You're beavering away on a | | | | advantage of and use in your project? |
| particular project and want to make more but | | | | Will the paper take a fold crisply? |
| what! Run out of paper! Horrors. The flow is | | | | Is the paper robust enough to take a number of |
| halted, enthusiasm crushed and worse, time is | | | | re-folds, if necessary? |
| now eaten up with other practical things. | | | | How will the addition of a spot of glue affect the |
| Imagine this: Run out of paper! Order on line. Stuff | | | | paper fibers? |
| paper in the printer. Click to download. Press Print | | | | There are a number of things to think through |
| et Voila, still able to carry on with a minor glitch in | | | | before you dive in and get busy. But time spent |
| proceedings. | | | | in planning, and deciding on your paper choice is |
| If you're a regular crafter then you'll be scoffing | | | | well worth it. |
| at those who let themselves get into such a | | | | Just like the ancient art of Feng Shui, where you |
| scrape. Who me? Run out of paper, never! Ok, so | | | | know if things are placed right, so the ancient art |
| seamless crafting is the ideal, but we've all been | | | | of paper folding will let you know if you've made |
| cut short in the supplies department. | | | | the right paper choice. |
| Well Christmas, with all the fabulous papers around | | | | The right paper will allow you to make the |
| is the perfect time to try some new printing | | | | neatest, crispest folds. It allows you to show off |
| papers and craft papers. | | | | your technique and your appreciation of the |
| But even if this falls short of your needs there's | | | | preparation and folding of your units. |
| always the scanner! Just pop your original sheet in | | | | Choose your Christmas teabag folding paper |
| your scanner or copier and press copy. And there | | | | wisely and it will work well for you. |