PaperCrafter Issue 84: out now!

Storage bunting.

Keyring storage pockets.

Slot-lid gift boxes.

PaperCrafter Issue 84:
out now - featuring three of my projects, all practical containers. Cut them out digitally on a Silhouette machine, or for those who have not yet teched-up (what are you waiting for???!) - print and hand-cut (the papercraft equivalent of snail mail). 

The Storage Bunting is a lightbulb idea - a decorative garland with stealth storage! Put wallspace to good use!

The Keyring Storage Pockets are ideal for small bits'n'bobs - stationery items or haberdashery whatnots.

The Gift Boxes have slot lids in two different versions - basic or with an easy-pull handle.  

The projects are in the Take one Tool feature. If you have never used a Silhouette machine (one of the universe's marvels), then there is some
get-acquainted how-to info. 

The Handmade Fair

Here's a date for your diary - The Handmade Fair, Hampton Court Palace, 18-20th September. A crafty wonderland that merits a special journey.

The Skills Workshops look very inviting - here's a link to what's on in 
Papercraft (Poppy Chancellor's papercut horoscopes - wow!). Also check out the Wedding and Seasonal workshop categories - because, as you know, papercrafting is a craft for all occasions.

Looking further ahead, The Handmade Christmas Fair takes place at Manchester Central, on 20-22 November. It is the first time for this event - anticipate something special.

Fan-in-a-Case Tutorial

Here's a pretty, portable way to combat the heatwave. A dainty, lace-look paper fan in a compact pocket. Pop one into your purse and be prepared for stuffy train carriages and other hot spots. The fans are super-easy to make - and there's a choice of two colourways.

Here is your free printable project:
PurpleFan.pdf
PurpleCase.pdf

PurpleFan.svg
PurpleCase.svg

PinkFan.pdf
PinkCase.pdf

PinkFan.svg
PinkCase.svg

Fan-in-a-Case Tutorial

1 Print the fan. Score the folds from notch to line using a fine-point embossing tool held against a metal ruler.

2 Cut the fan out and crease the folds with a bone folder. Nice, sharp creases. Accordion the pleats.

3 The fans shown are made using 90gsm paper. That is too thick to staple - so you must punch holes to thread a ribbon tie through. Use a 1/8in circle handpunch. Punch the holes at the marked indentations of the fan handle, ash shown. 

4 For each fan, you need 30cm (12in) of pleated ribbon. Thread the ribbon through the holes with a tapestry needle. Turn the fan to the back and tie the ribbon, cinching in the pleats. Turn ribbon back to the front. Thread each ribbon tie through the holes to the opposit side of the fan base. Finally, tie the ribbon tails into a bow. You can trim the tails at an angle and apply PVA glue to the ends to prevent fraying.

Note: If you print the fans onto thin photocopier paper, then you can opt to staple the fan together instead of punching holes and lacing.

5 Case: print the case, cut it out. Score the folds from corner to corner, as shown. Apply d/s tape to the flaps, as shown. Fold the flaps as shown above, then fold the case back down, with edges aligned. Pop the fan into the case. You're done!

The fan is light and compact - ideal to carry in your bag, or as a party favour - especially at weddings (could come in handy during the ceremony). Suggestion: make a fan and post it to a friend - fan mail!