It feels frustrating when a paper art project goes sideways. Those misaligned layers or warped pieces just make the entire exercise more frustrating than enjoyable.
But understand that you aren’t alone in all this. Just like any craft, papercraft also has a learning curve. Even experienced makers sometimes face those issues. However, you don’t have to worry about those issues, as they’re easily fixable.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about the common mistakes you must avoid when playing with paper, whether you’re new to this or an expert.
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Paper Weight or Cardstock
When experimenting with papercraft tooling supplies, know that not all paper is created equal. A wrong choice can sabotage your entire project (and creativity).
For example, using a too-thin piece of paper will cause the layers to sag. Similarly, if the cardstock is too thick, it could even jam your cutting machine. Similarly, textured papers are hard to cut cleanly, leaving fuzzy edges. Now, those paper choices are not wrong at all. You just need to match them with what you’re actually building.
For most layered shadowbox projects, you can use 65-80 lb. cardstock. You should also test the paper with a small cut before committing to the full project.
Mistake 2: Poor Settings for Cutting Tools
You may have great designs and suitable materials, but the wrong cutting settings can ruin your entire project.
If your blade is dull or you’re using a slippery mat, you may get misaligned pieces from incomplete cuts. Similarly, certain designs can only be done by hand, as those tools can’t reach that level of precision.
To fix this, start with a sharp blade and a sticky mat. It’s also important to make a test cut before working with unfamiliar materials.
Mistake 3: Not Applying Glue Correctly
You should be extremely careful when using liquid glue, as too much can soak through the paper, causing it to wrinkle. Instead, it’s better to apply glue sparingly.
You should also not apply glue to the very edge of the paper. It would squeeze out from the sides of your paper when you press it down.
When it comes to tapes, the double-sided variety is perfect for scrapbooking, but it may not work as well on 3D papercraft pieces.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Environmental Factors
You’ve spent so much time crafting that masterpiece. Now, you should never let poor environmental conditions ruin your hard work.
Some people place the finished paper art in direct sunlight, which fades its original color. Similarly, high levels of humidity can also warp paper and damage the entire shape of what you’ve built.
To fix this issue, you can frame your paper piece in a shadow box to protect it against dust and light. Keep the frame out of direct sun to avoid fading. Don’t place the pieces near damp areas like the kitchen or bathroom either, as paper could catch moisture more quickly.
Mistakes Are Just Part of the Process
The people you see now as experts have made mistakes at some point. These are what make them pros. So you don’t need to worry if your art pieces don’t look as you wished. Just learn from the mistakes we’ve mentioned above to make it work every single time.