Tissue Paper Card

5-1/2" x 8-1/2" sheet of card stock
4-3/16" x 5-7/16" matching card stock for backing
assorted colors and designs of tissue paper to coordinate with card stock
shape template, die cuts, stencils or any other item that can be used to create a shape (step 2*)
metallic or glitter gel pen (optional)
glue stick
clear tape (optional – double stick tape)
scissors or craft knife
bone folder or similar tool

Steps:

1. Fold large piece of card stock in half and position shape for opening on inside of card front. Shape can be centered or offset/askew.

*Also can utilize a die-cut machine purchased at local craft store or use the machine at local scrapbook stores. The computer is also a great source of line drawings. When using a line drawing, trace inside of card with carbon-type paper or cut out design and trace around.

3. Choose paper colors and designs and cut into 1/2-inch strips folded in half lengthwise. Length will vary depending on the size of your design opening, but always go larger to allow trimming. For this card, length should be at least five inches long.

5. Tape about four or five pieces of paper, then move on to another place in a rotation or random pattern, repeating step 4 until opening is filled. When finished there may be a small opening exposed in the middle (Figure E). If so, tape a piece of coordinating paper to the back to fill in the hole (Figure F).

6. Use glue or double-stick tape to attach the backing piece to cover up strip and tape (Figure G). Add sentiments and/or embellishments as desired.

Tips:

• Other materials that can be used are wrapping paper, ribbon, lace, thread/yarns, vellum and handmade paper. Also, thematic papers for holidays and special occasions are a nice touch (Figure H).
  
• Experiment with stiffer paper by cutting with decorative edge scissors instead of folding.
  
• The designs that work best are simple geometric, but any design can work. A more complicated design might require plainer tissue paper.

Tissue paper cards inspired by Passion for Paper by Catherine Mace. Design Originals by Suzanne McNeill (information below).