Paper Piecing is one of the latest trends gaining popularity in the scrappers portfolio. While the technique itself is not new (in fact, you probably have some paper piecing on your own pages) it has only recently been officially named and recognized as such. Whereas companies such as Windows of Time and Scrappable Scribbles once provided the only commercial patterns available, the demand has lead to many new suppliers coming out with patterns and kits. Even some of the magazines now include a removable "Page of Patterns" for Paper Piecing. Just as the name suggests, Paper Piecing is simply the piecing together of different bits of paper to form designs for your pages. It is very similar to layering Die-cuts, except that you cut out all the pieces yourself. The designs may range from simple (one piece-one color) to complex (numerous pieces in various colors, shading, etc). While the finished product often looks very difficult and complex, fitting the pieces together is really very easy- a task that even the most un-artistic person can complete. Paper Piecing has many characteristics that make it appealing to the scrapper. First, its versatility. Unlike stickers or clip art - Paper Piecing can be any size or color needed to fit or match with your page. The same papers that are used in the layout, can be used in the Paper Piecing, creating a continuity that is not available in other mediums. Second - Paper Piecing is relatively inexpensive and a great way to use up scraps of paper. Unlike punch-art, which may require many different punches to create one image, the only tools you really need for Paper Piecing are a good set of small scissors and a pattern. This brings us to the third point- while there are many commercial patterns available, creating patterns yourself is easy, and this opens up a whole new world of piecing possibilities. A pattern can be created from almost anything - children's books, rubber stamps, cross-stitch and tole painting patterns, coloring books, clip art, stickers, or even the photos themselves. Although creating your own pattern may be a little more work, you save on the cost of purchasing a pattern, and have a one-of-a-kind piece for your page. If you are a beginner- it would probably be best to start with a, commercial pattern. Simply completing a few will give you the experience you need to create your own. Start with something simple, with just a few pieces. Size is also a factor, large pieces are easier to cut and maneuver than small intricate ones. 1. Copy: Never cut your original pattern; if you lose your cut pieces, or need a different size, you will have it for future reference. Using a copier or scanner, duplicate your pattern, reducing or enlarging to fit your needs. 2. Cut : You will need a good pair of sharp scissors. You may want to label the pieces lightly on the back - once cut, many pieces tend to look somewhat alike, or may be difficult to tell front from back (i.e. cardstock that looks the same on both sides). You may also be instructed to cut out one piece more than once. The simplest way to cut your pattern, is to simply hold the pattern piece against the paper and cut around it. If you are using a pattern for the first time - you can cut the pattern and the paper together. If you are not comfortable cutting this way, or if the pattern pieces are too small and intricate - you may want to trace your pattern: To trace, cut out your pattern pieces and place them face down on the back of your paper. (This way when the pieces are cut out, they will be in the same direction as the original, but any pencil lines will not show. If you want the finished product reversed, then place the pattern right side up.) Lightly trace around the pattern with pencil and cut out. 3. Detail: Not all Paper Piecings need any additional enhancements - but many do. You may need to add facial features or interior lines. An easy way to help with placement, is to take the original pattern piece, and lay it on your cut paper. Take an embossing stylus (or a ball point pen) and pressing gently, trace the lines. This will create an indentation on your paper that you can then draw over with your black pen. Other embellishments may include shading with chalks, or pen-stitching around the edges. While you may wait to complete the detailing after the paper is pieced, a mistake at this point will be easier to re-do without effecting the whole pattern. 4. Assemble : Using the original picture as a guide, place your pieces together. Some people like to use re-positionable glue until they are sure they have the pieces placed correctly; I tend to piece it together without adhesive, and then move it to my page piece by piece, attaching it to the layout as I put it together . However, you may completely assemble and glue your pieces and then move the completed figure to your page. Pooh and Piglet - Adapted from a sticker. If you think a particular image may be too detailed - try to find a vantage point that eliminates most of the intricate and difficult parts.   Black and White Puppy - Adapted from a children's book (The interior lines are hand drawn, but the spots were actually cut and placed in position to give the image depth, but they could simply be drawn in also)     Carousel Horse - Adapted from a rubber stamp (DOTS). The size, number, and intricacy of the pieces made this one a little difficult to cut out, but I was quite pleased with the result. I was able to pattern the colors after the carousel horse my son was riding in the photo. I didn't have metallic paper (silver for the tail and mane) so I cut gray paper and used a stamp pad and embossing powder to create the final look. Remember Paper Piecing lends itself to all sizes of pages -below are examples of various sizes (12x12, 5x7, single 8 1/2 x11 and double 8 ½ x 11)   The Hassle was Worth the Tassel (12x12)"Graduate" pattern is from Windows of Time. Change the color of the cap and gown to the colors of your school. I color copied my diploma and tassel and reduced them to use in the layout.   The Fourth of July - Adapted from a wood tole pattern - (Barbara Lloyd Designs). I looked at a picture of the Statue of Liberty to create the torch and book.   Safari Ride The little gorilla is adapted from a rubber stamp (DOTS) - So cute but so simple. AI good illustration that a piece does not have to be intricate or difficult to achieve the look that you want. The leaves were based on the leaves in the background of the photo. Paper Piecing doesn't have to be small, it can encompass the entire layout as your background.   Honey Bunny (5 x 7 sentiment album) Paper Piecing works even on the smallest size page - I wanted to draw out the daffodils in the photo. I used a rubber stamp (DOTS) as a pattern for the outline of the flower. Using an embossing stylus to position the interior lines, simply draw them in with a black marker - Each flower is only one piece. A word of caution before you begin - Paper Piecing can be addicting. Everywhere you look, you see ideas for patterns - perhaps the major limitation is that you may not have corresponding photos for the piecings that you want to create. Armed with scissors paper and your imagination we say "try it, you'll like it".      This article and the images contained herein are copyright 1999 by Jennifer Blackham and Scrappers Haven. Articles and designs are for private use. Any publication whether in print or online must receive written permission and be accompanied by credit to both the artist and Scrappershaven.com