I have posted about how to do this a few years back, but figured it wouldn't hurt to write it up again, as I was in the process of making ruffles for my Valentine kits.
The color tipped ruffles are pretty any time of year, but seem extra fitting for holiday crafts.
These rolls are from Walmart, about $1 each. I add some color to water (food coloring, teabags, dye, whatever you want to use), in a bowl just big enough for the roll to fit. A few inches of water in a plastic tub that lunch meat comes in is great. Or a cereal bowl. Anything along those lines.
Add more dye for deeper colors, a slight amount for softer tones. You can add a little, check the color, then add more if needed. It is best to start with a smidge of dye, and then pour more in if you'd like. If you get too much, you can always add water, but you might soon need to move to a bigger bowl if you' ve added too much color in the first place.
I like to dip a roll of crepe paper into clear water first, then the colored water. It will make for a softer tone.
You can also dip more than one color, or spritz the wet roll with Glimmer Mist for some sparkle.
While the roll is wet, I rub an ink pad along the top ridges for more depth of color, and defined edges.
The rolls need to dry completely, and I give them at least 3-4 days. And while dripping and drying, I set them, colored side down onto paper that I want to cut up and use in my art journals.
The imprint looks like a peony, doesn't it?
Once the paper is COMPLETELY dry, I sometimes ruffle it by bunching it up as I sew along one side.
When you unroll the crepe, at first it will tear. Try to smoosh the roll a bit to loosen it up, it dries a little crunchy and stuck together. But once I squeeze it, and tear off a few outer wraps, it seems to always unroll just fine.
Often, I skip sewing and simply pinch and push the paper into a bead of glue on whatever project it is being used in. But for this batch, I took the time to sew the strips, so I could use the pretty ruffles in kits for the classes.
Either cut long lengths to sew, or unroll 5-6 feet at a a time while sewing. Try to keep it straight as you feed it into the machine.
The cream ruffles I made today are for the back of the Love Bird tin. But I like them all so much, I'm thinking about adding them to the kits for the candy boxes too. They'd make a pretty addition to the bottom of the heart shaped box, wouldn't they?
Thank you for sharing this with us, Karla! 🙂
I have always wanted to try to do this. Thank you so much for the inspiration and tutorial!
They remind me of Iris. Love it.
Thanks for sharing. I am definately trying this!
Every few years, I whip up a few rolls to have around. Even with making kits this goes a long way.
It’s easy to do, the only trick is peeling the layers off after dry. Sometimes it can want to tear.
Awesome! These are so pretty and you explained the process well. Thanks!
Jane
I usually spend most of one day sewing the dried crepe paper and have enough ruffles to last me a couple of years, including what I use for crafts. It’s good to have them handy when needed instead trying to make up a little bit at a time.
They’re so beautiful, Karla. I admire all the time and energy you put into your exquisite work.