Types of paper for creativity
Although many mothers are accustomed to buying packaging by eye, without paying attention to the type of paper.
In fact, this is the first thing to consider when purchasing. There are many types and here are the most common ones:
Regular
There are no identifying marks on the packaging of this paper.
It can be one-sided or two-sided.
The first one is suitable if you need to make an applique. Its reverse side is white, so it is not suitable for voluminous crafts. Double-sided can be used for any homemade products.
Please note that there are no specific classifications, so study the surface of the paper.
Bad paper is low-density, the painted surface shows through, and wrinkles easily.
It is very difficult to work with: the glue constantly gets wet, it is easy to tear and ruin. Good sheets are dense, have a smooth, bright surface, and tolerate glue well.
If you want your child to be happy, buy paper with a density of at least 60 g/m2.
Velvet paper
It has a characteristic “velvety” texture, very pleasant to the touch, slightly voluminous. For ordinary applications, such paper is rarely used - it is too expensive, but for postcards or kindergarten crafts it is well suited.
A good velvet sheet is evenly covered with flock, the surface is uniform and smooth. It should not break at the bend.
Holographic paper
Shiny paper that will decorate any craft well. One side of the sheet is covered with iridescent foil, which is tightly glued to the paper.
The holographic design shimmers in the light and often has an ornament. By the way, in addition to appliques, it is often used for costumes for the holidays.
Creped
Crepe paper has characteristic irregularities along its entire surface, which is why it resembles an elastic band.
It stretches well and is more suitable for voluminous crafts.
It is not suitable for appliqués and origami - crepe paper is intended for three-dimensional compositions.
By the way, it is sometimes sold under the name “corrugated”.
For origami
A special grade of paper with high density. It feels more like thin cardboard to the touch, but is easy to turn out and fold.
What distinguishes it from ordinary colored paper is:
- Saturated color. It's bright but not glossy. Almost always has a characteristic dullness and uniform color.
- Strength. Due to the increased density, colored origami paper does not rub on the folds and does not form an “accordion”. It is better suited for complex figures, since it does not deteriorate when turned out and folded repeatedly.
- Form. Almost always sold in a square format because most figures are assembled from this figure.
For quilling
Until recently, it was necessary to manually cut sheets into thin strips; now quilling paper is sold ready-made. Its qualities are similar to the previous one: durable and wear-resistant. When twisted, it does not lose its shape and sticks easily.
For scrapbooking
Special paper for crafts that has an original design or texture.
Designed for decorating notebooks, boxes, creating smashbooks.
For scrapbooking, there is also fluorescent paper that glows in the dark in different colors.
Features of cartographic material
In cartography, the quality of the pulp is important.
There are standards designed to control the density of the product. Considering what types exist, we need to talk about cartography. This is a high-strength glued product, characterized by increased resistance to moisture. The deformation is residual, linear, and if water gets on one of the sides during application, nothing will happen. The colors will not float, the card is suitable for long-term and reusable use.
Map paper
Depending on the amount of cellulose, the sheets are thinner and denser. Cartographic products can be laminated, since this way they can serve for a long time without creases, scratches, or torn corners.
Map paper is suitable for:
- navigation manuals;
- atlases;
- marine, geographical, topographic maps.
It is important that the machine can reproduce the smallest details on the surface. Therefore, there are grades A and B. The first is suitable for products whose weight does not exceed 160 g/m2, and the second – 140 g/m2.
Which colored paper is best for crafts?
Based on the properties of craft paper, it becomes clear that a certain type is suitable for specific crafts.
Application
In the application it is important to observe several qualities:
- Brightness;
- Accents;
- Uniformity.
Good, thick colored paper is suitable for this case. It will not “ripple” when saturated with glue, nor will it change shape after drying.
You can also use velvet sheets. They're good for emphasis. If you use the appliqué style - decoupage, then you cannot do without velvet.
Polished paper, also known as coated paper, will help with bright compositions. Its glossy surface is much richer and more variegated than that of a regular one.
Papier mache
Traditionally, papier-mâché is made from newspaper, although very thin colored paper with double-sided printing is also suitable for these purposes. It is well saturated with paste and takes the required shape.
Quilling
It’s easier to buy a ready-made collection of quilling paper. They are sold in different sets, including for large paintings.
If you want to make a composition from certain colors, but there is no such set on sale, good double-sided colored paper, but not coated, will do.
Preferably with a high density so that the shape holds better.
Origami
It is better to buy special paper, but thick colored paper (uncoated only) will do. You can also use very thin cardboard.
Learn more about color printing
Considering the types of paper that exist, it is first worth stepping back from printing. Quality depends on the machine. Each technique has its own set of capabilities. For example, more than 90% of offset and digital presses cannot print white because there is no such ink.
The CMYK color scheme consists of the following shades:
- black;
- yellow;
- blue;
- crimson.
Several designations appear in print. The following marking is possible: 1+0 - this means that the machine will use only one shade when applying an image or inscription on one side. 1+1 indicates that printing will be double-sided. There is another option 4+0 - this is a full-color image. If instead of 0 the production indicated 4, then in this case the design will be on both sides and this is taken into account in the g/m2 indicator when calculating the paint and calculating the cost.
Types of colored cardboard for creativity
Beautiful crafts for elementary school or kindergarten can be made from cardboard. Unlike paper, it is always easy to use, and even kids have no problems with it.
Please note that cardboard can be coated or uncoated. The first one is more beautiful, but more expensive. It is rarely used in large compositions, especially in papermaking or modeling.
Ordinary
Plain colored cardboard, coated or uncoated. Often used in making cards and congratulations.
Corrugated
It has a characteristic “accordion” shape and pronounced volume. It is often used for framed pictures, which can be given as a gift or to decorate a child’s desk.
Velvet
Like paper, it has a pleasant velvety surface. Easy to cut and not soaked through with glue. Often used in appliques and when gluing boxes.
Foil
It has an unusual iridescent tone with thousands of inclusions. Used as decoration or accent.
Crafting characteristics
Considering different types of paper, one cannot help but mention craft. It is used for wrappers, bags and is considered a veteran among modern materials.
Bag made of kraft paper
There are different types of manufacturing techniques. Craft paper was first created in 1825. Now it is dense, with a rough or smooth surface. The color of such paper products is usually yellow or brown. There can be a package with the name in any shade. For this, special paints are used, they are applied in one or two layers to indicate a print, logo, name or just an inscription.
high school
When schoolchildren move to a new level of education, the requirements for them increase significantly. Children at this age must be disciplined and understand the meaning of the word “must”.
Also, by this moment, probably, everyone has already been able to decide on their area of interest and go to sections that will contribute to the development of their talents. Some choose sports, some music, and some creativity.
Nevertheless, even at this age, students do not forget about participating in craft competitions.
Only in high school the main theme is often the seasons. They are made from scrap materials so that the guys can feel the limitations and expand their comfort zone.
What you need to prepare for work
For an exciting journey into the world of creativity, you will need quite ordinary items: multi-colored sheets of paper or cardboard, small scissors with rounded tips, a ruler, a pencil, glue (stationery). You need to be able to tune the baby in the right way.
You will need just a little patience and skill, and children's crafts made from colored paper will decorate the room with various cartoon characters, colorful plants, fairy-tale characters, birds, and animals. You never know what a little creator can dream up.
Beneficial effect
When a child works on a craft, he is not only busy, interested and determined to achieve results. There is an imperceptible influence on his subconscious in a positive way. The child develops the necessary skills.
Children's DIY paper crafts help fingers become stronger and hold objects more confidently. Feeling the density, texture, color of the paper, his subconscious sensations remember them.
"Merry Caterpillar"
A cute craft that will please everyone. Be sure to choose bright, rich tones of paper. Multi-colored circles cut with scissors are glued onto the base cardboard. They should vary in size. The head is the largest circle. The tail is the smallest circle.
Note!
- DIY paper crafts: TOP-200 photos of exclusive ideas and craft options
DIY paper origami craft step by step: ready-made diagrams for creating beautiful origami at home (90 photo ideas)
Crafts from paper and glue for children: step-by-step instructions for creating interesting crafts with your own hands (90 photo ideas)
All elements are glued to cardboard using PVA. A black felt-tip pen is perfect for eyes and facial features, and black paper is perfect for hairs and small horns.
