google.com, pub-5059501654592326, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

Faux Suede Technique

Written and Created by PaperCraftCentral Susan


The faux suede technique can add a lot to your handmade greeting cards. I love the soft texture it creates and the added tactile element it allows you to place on your projects. It's perfect for the people in your life who appreciate texture and softness.

Find out how to make some here.

"

Is that paper? It feels so soft and looks like material!"
~PaperCraftCentral Card Class Attendee


faux suede technique


Treating cardstock this way can add texture and visual appeal to your handmade greeting cards or scrapbook pages. You can make some from ordinary cardstock, your paper crimping tool and your bare hands.

If you have used this method before, I hope you will show me your papercraft project. Scroll down the page to add your picture and tell me something about it.


Here's a video showing you how to make little paper flowers with the faux suede technique.

The supplies used in the video are:

Each item that is still available is linked to my online store for your convenience

Using the Faux Suede Technique


Did you know that cardstock is made in layers like tissue often is? You can take advantage of that fact and make yourself some lovely elements with the thinner layers of it.

Your aim in this technique is to separate those layers to create the faux suede technique. You will wind up with soft, fluffy layers on one side and the smooth cardstock on the other side.


You will need:


  • Cardstock
  • A punch or shape of some kind
  • a crimping tool, or you can crumple with your hands
  • stamps and ink of choice, if desired


Here's what to do:


  • First punch a shape out of cardstock, stamp it if desired, then run it through the paper crimper quite a few times. I chose a large scallop circle shape and ran mine through my crimper about 8 - 12 times.
  • Be sure to run the paper through in different directions. Your aim is to break down the fibers in the paper so that it is easy to split into layers.
  • If you are using your hands instead of the Paper Crimping tool, crumple, flatten and re-crumple the cardstock over and over. Cardstock is strong and needs to be worked over to separate its layers.

faux suede technique
faux suede technique

  • Now if you have used a paper crimper, finish by crumpling the cardstock between your palms, rolling it and softening it even further.

  • faux suede technique


  • Next, spread out your crumpled cardstock and then carefully prise apart the edges of the softened paper. Work carefully so you do not tear the delicate layers, and you should be able to completely separate the cardstock into two layers.

  • If you cannot yet do this, work the paper a bit more between your palms or put your cardstock shape through your crimper a few more times. Keep going until you can delicately separate the paper into two layers.

  • Some kinds of cardstock may have more than two layers, but I like to use the Stampin' Up! cardstock and just have two layers at the end.


  • faux suede technique
    faux suede technique

  • Now you have two layers of paper, one with the smooth finished cardstock surface (a bit crumpled now though. Lol!) and one with a softly textured finish.

  • faux suede technique

    How to Use Faux Suede Elements in your Papercrafting Projects:

    There are many ways you can use your new embellishments:

    • You can stamp on the cardstock before you run it through the crimper, or heat emboss it or distress ink it. Spray it with glitter or shimmer. I think it adds to the interest of the embellishment to have other colours peeking out from underneath.
    • I also layer the split papers to add even more dimension and texture to my work especially when building a handmade paper flower.
    • Use the faux suede technique to add softness and extra cuddliness to your baby lambs, chicks and monkey shapes, to clothing and hats and shoes to dress your paper dolls, and to landscapes of soft grass or trees.
    • Make a faux suede element out of a strip of cardstock or a curved Stampin' Cut and Emboss element and use it to look like ribbon.

    NOTE: ALL colours of Stampin' Up! cardstock will split into two if crumpled. You can use other colours than white.

    I hope you are inspired to use this method in even more creative ways and that you will share them with me when you do.

    Now you have tried this technique, you might like to try making other paper flowers or how to make a customised envelope. You can also make faux silk paper or faux velvet elements.


    Do You Have A Favourite Handmade Card to Share?

    Do you make greeting cards? Please do share it with me.

    [ ? ]

    Upload A Picture Of Your Card[ ? ]

     

    Click here to upload more images (optional)

    Author Information (optional)

    To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

    (first or full name)

    (e.g., City, State, Country)

    Submit Your Contribution

    •  submission guidelines.


    (You can preview and edit on the next page)


    1. Home
    2. Card Making Techniques
    3. Faux Suede Technique

    New! Comments

    Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

    Share this page: What's this?

    Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how ...

    Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it? Click on the HTML link code below. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

    var l = window.location.href, d = document; document.write('<form action="#"><div style="text-align:center"><textarea cols="50" rows="2" onclick="this.select();"><a href="'+l+'">'+d.title+'</a></textarea></div></form>');