Paper Tearing
Simply Fun!

Paper tearing adds texture and dimension to your scrapbook page layouts.

Besides, it's a lot of fun. You don't need any special tools, although there are some available.

Card stock, paper, vellum, even photos (make sure it's a copy) can be torn. This is a simple way to add a shabby or vintage look to your pages.

Try paper tearing for borders, mats, frames, page accents and journaling boxes.

Some popular uses for this technique are mountains, snow, water, sand, grass, sun and flowers.

• Use small controlled tears for detailed objects.

• Use long sweeping tears for abstract objects.

• Chalking the torn edges adds extra dimension.

When you tear paper you create two kinds of edges, a rough edge (front), and a smooth edge (back). Either edge can be used to achieve the desired look in your layout.

• Rough Jagged Tear – Hold paper down with one hand, tear with slow small tears with the other hand.

• Soft Fuzzy Tear – Fold paper to make a good crease. Moisten the tear with a bit of water on your finger or cotton swab, then tear along crease.

Some papers are dyed and have the same color through-out, some paper, such as patterned paper, has a white core. These produce different looks when torn.

There are different looks that can be created when you tear paper. Try experimenting on some scrap paper to find the look that suits your layout.






Return to Scrapbook Techniques from Paper Tearing