How to Decorate Paper for Craft Projects

Decorative paper can be used for a variety of craft and decorating projects. Plus, it's always good to have some beautiful papers lying around to inspire your next project. The most creative and least expensive way to add to your collection of decorative papers is to create your own. When you see that white sheet of paper just begging for some design and color does your mind go blank? Here are some ideas for decorating paper to use in craft projects.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Create Doily Designs.
   
   This one is fun and easy, but can give some very sophisticated effects. You'll need some paper doilies and several cans of spray paint in your desired colors. Lay the paper to be decorated on a flat surface covered with newspaper. Lay paper doilies on the paper in an interesting design. Place small objects on the doilies to hold them in place so they won't move. Lightly spray paint the paper using a single paint color or a combination of colors. The doilies will leave a beautiful imprint.
2. Use Sponges.
   
   You can use soft sponges dipped in paint to create beautiful abstract designs on paper. Natural sea sponges work the best and can be found in many craft stores. First, dampen your sponge and dip it into your chosen color of paint. Blot the sponge to remove any excess color. Press the sponge into the paper to create an abstract design. Repeat this process randomly using a variety of colors to give your paper an abstract design. By experimenting with different colors and technique, you can create interesting designs.
3. Marble Your Paper
   
   To quickly and easily marble paper, select a pan larger in size than the paper you wish to marble. Add a layer of water to the pan along with a drop of regular dishwashing detergent. Select various shades of paint and thin them until they're the consistency of a dye. You can also use fabric dyes for marbling paper. Use an eyedropper to drip the colors onto the surface of the water. Use a straw to gently swirl the colors together. Gently place the paper on the surface of the colored water. Quickly remove the sheet and lay it out to dry. To flatten the paper, you can place it between two sheets of paper and iron it lightly.
4. Antique Your Paper.
   
   This is an interesting technique to use to give a document such as a poem or letter you've written an antique look. Find a baking pan that's larger than the paper you want to antique. Crumple the paper into a ball and gently smooth it out before placing it onto your baking pan. Prepare some strong, very black hot coffee. Use a sponge to apply the coffee to the surface of your paper. Follow up by sprinkling salt onto your coffee stained paper. Allow the salt crystals to remain on the paper for a few minutes before removing them. Now, place your baking pan with the paper into the oven to dry on low heat. When you remove your paper, it will have a very attractive antique appearance. You can also use black tea if you don't have coffee on hand.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget about the possibility of decorating paper with rubber stamps. A trip to the craft store will reveal rubber stamps in an infinite variety of abstract and figurative designs as well as a mind boggling array of inks you can use to decorate paper. Have fun experimenting!