Paper Piecing

This technique (adapted from quilt piecing) involves tracing and cutting shapes
from various papers and assembling the “pieces” into a picture, pattern or design.

Supplies Needed

Variety of Papers (coordinate colors with pattern)
Sharp Scissors or Craft Knife
Saral Transfer Paper or Light Box
Pencil
Glue
Purchased Pattern or Design
Your Own Pattern or Design

Step-by-Step

Review pattern and select colors and papers that are needed for each piece of the pattern.
If your paper has a right side, you should trace the pattern onto the wrong side of the paper unless you are using the Saral transfer paper method. Saral’s transfer color is completely erasable. You can also ink or paint over it.
Trace piece patterns onto paper using Saral transfer paper. Use a light color of transfer paper for dark colored papers and a dark color of transfer paper for light colored papers. OR Place piece patterns onto light box. Place paper on top of the pattern and using the light source trace piece pattern onto paper.
Cut out all your pieces. Arrange as the pattern. Glue pieces onto your background paper.

Tips

You can enlarge or reduced on a copier or computer.
Using transfer paper takes away the light box step of paper pieces.
Make your own patterns from clip art, coloring books or greeting cards
Remember that most patterns or designs can be used in the reverse for 2 page spreads.
If just starting, use simple patterns and designs that don’t have dozens of small pieces.
Don’t cut out all the pattern pieces. Keep the pattern whole and you won’t lose any pieces to your pattern.
Use a variety of papers: tissue, mesh, plastic, cardstock, fabric, handmade, vellum, textured, patterned, decorative, heavy weight, lightweight, brights, pastels and scraps!