- 1). Use a paper trimmer with this project. If a paper trimmer is not available, use a craft knife along a straight-edge. This process works comparatively well. Paper is hard on cutter edges. Change the blades often. Use a self-healing cutting mat. It will have a measuring grid and surface that minimizes slippage.
- 2). Find the grain; bend the paper one direction then the other. Notice that it bends easier in one direction. If it easily bends from side-to-side, the grain runs parallel to the sides. Machine-made paper has grain, and depending on the paper, folds against the grain may crack or appear jagged and not cooperate fully with folding.
- 3). Cut an 8.5 X 11 inch sheet of card stock in half to produce two 4 1/4 X 5 1/2 cards. To prepare the card stock for folding it needs scoring. Score with an awl, bone folder or stylus. A stylus is also for dry embossing. A bone folder can score the note cards and press the crease.
- 4). Lightly pencil mark ends of the fold. Put the card into the trimmer at center. Run a stylus down the center of the trimmer groove. Use moderate pressure. Fold away from the scored side. To make a sharp edge, press the crease with a bone folder. To avoid a shine, lay a sheet of paper towel on top of the card before pressing. An alternate way to score is to use a straight edge with the stylus.
- 5). Use aluminum foil as the vehicle for painting. Crumple a sheet of aluminum foil three inches (8 cm) larger than the card. Open the foil, leaving the surface wrinkled, and coat with acrylic paint. Place the note card in a bowl of water, hold it by the corner and let it drip. Place damp card on the foil, and smooth it with light pressure. Pull card off the foil. Add other colors. Let dry. Personalize with an initial stamp on two layered contrasting colored card stock pieces.
- 6). Purchase white resume paper and cut in half. Follow the directions for step five to make complementary stationery.
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