Illusion Braid

Materials:

illusion braid pattern*
1/4" grid graph paper
see-through grided ruler
red, green & black fine-point markers
scissors
folding bone
double-sided tape
clear drying tacky glue
glue stick
paper cutter
craft knife
cutting mat
Papers by Catherine assorted paper:
- Washi paper (JP1421B)
- gold metallic paper (DP23GL)
- black velvet paper (V-BK)
- scarlet velvet paper (V-SR)
black tassel w/gold cording
bookmark sleeve

1. With the red fine-point marker and a ruler, draw a rectangle that is 2" x 7-1/4". Divide this rectangle lengthwise with a red dashed line, which will leave you with two 1-inch-wide strips (figure B).

2. With the green fine-point marker and a ruler, draw a line lengthwise 1/2 inch from the center dashed line (figure C). Hint: Cutting will be easier if the right-handed person marks this line to the left of the dashed line and the left-handed person marks this line to the right of the dashed line.

3. Still using the green marker and a ruler, draw 1/2-inch horizontal lines from the solid green line to the dashed red line. Begin at the bottom and work up at 1/2-inch intervals (figure D). When you reach the top you will be left with only 1/4 inch remaining (figure E).

4. Use the black fine-point marker and a ruler to draw the first set of angles, diagonal from the bottom corner of the square touching the red dashed line to the opposite corner of the same square. Be sure to extend this line halfway out into the graph paper square (figure F).

5. Still using the black marker, draw the second set of angles, diagonal from the middle of the side of the square touching the dashed line to the middle of the green line at the top of the square. Be sure to extend this line halfway out into the graph paper square (figure G).

1. Glue the backs of the Washi and gold paper together using a glue stick. Make sure these pieces of paper are at least 2" x 7-1/4".) Be careful to apply glue to the entire piece of paper. Set this aside to thoroughly dry.

2. If it isnt' already, cut the glued paper into a rectangle that is exactly 2" x 7-1/4". Fold this piece in half lengthwise.

3. Cut out your illusion braid pattern on the solid red line. Fold your pattern lengthwise on the dashed red line (figure H).

4. Nest the folded decorative paper within the fold of the pattern. Make sure to match fold to fold (figure I).

5. Using scissors, carefully cut on the black lines indicated on your pattern. Make precise, careful cuts (figure J).

6. When all black diagonal lines have been cut, remove the pattern and open up your decorative paper. The notched "V" should be at the top of the rectangle.

7. Skip the very first "V" at the top and begin to fold every other "V" up (figure K).

8. Slide the top of the "V's" pointing up under the "V's" pointing down. Sparingly use tacky glue to secure these in place (figure L).

9. At the bottom you will need to trim each edge of the paper from the side to the fold of the last "V". Be sure not to cut through the bottom "V" (figure M). Use a craft knife, ruler and cutting mat for best accuracy.

10. Use your glue stick to layer the illusion braid onto black velvet paper cut to 2-1/4" x 6-7/8".

11. Use double-sided tape to layer the black velvet paper and braid onto scarlet velvet paper cut to 2-3/8" x 7-1/2".

12. Slide this ensemble into a clear plastic bookmark sleeve. Tie a tassel through the hole in the bookmark sleeve.