Bringing in the Outdoors: Nature-Inspired Paper Projects

Entry #1395, July 14, 2012

The use of paper as a design tool provides a natural beauty and charm to any craft. Paper is readily available and can be used for many design projects. Have you thought of using paper in your next DIY craft project? Here are some great examples of using nature to inspire you and bring the outdoors in. Thank you Better Homes and Gardens for these great ideas!

Paper DIY projects to bring the outdoors in

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Designing your Ceramic Vase

Here’s how to transfer an image design on a vase by using Lazertran paper.

Step 1: Acquire a clean ceramic vase with a plain design. You may use a Lazertran paper like bond papers provided that those papers don’t have prints on it.

Step 2: Decide on the design and print it. Use a printer to have a reliable and accurate print. When using a Lasertran paper, print the image on the chalky side.

Step 3: Let the paper dry for at least 30 minutes. Avoid touching the printed area. You may destroy the whole design by touching it.

Step 4: Cut the image based on your desired size.

Step 5: Soak the Lazertran with the printout facing downwards in a pan of water for about a minute.

Step 6: Peel off the plastic wrap on the printed image and attach the filmy printout on your ceramic vase. Be sure to smooth out any air bubbles by sliding your finger to flatten the surface. Wait for the paper to dry.

Now that you learned how to enhance the design of your ceramic vase, you can also use this technique on woods like the chairs and tables of your house. Lazertran papers are good for designing and improving the art in any furniture.

Follow these simple steps

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Designing your Pillows

Pillows look dry and dull especially if it’s in plain color. Although it may look clean and cozy but then designing a white pillow with iron-on transfer paper images can enhance your overall experience.

Step 1: Print your image on iron-on transfer paper and let dry.

Step 2: Cut those printed images on the iron on paper.

Step 3: After cutting, iron the transfer papers on your pillow. Make sure you iron every inch including those images at the corner of the paper.

Step 4: Lift a corner to see if the image is transferred completely into your pillow cover. Once it does, peel off the protective plastic.

Personalize your own pillows with nature

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These crafts will help you create a personalized home that you will be proud of!  Go ahead and take advantage of these creative designs using paper arts and craft ideas.

For more creative crafts and DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.