Distressing Page Edges with Scissors

Distressing paper edges is a simple technique that can instantly add texture and a slightly vintage look to your scrapbook pages or paper crafting projects.

By gently roughing up the edges of the paper and adding a little ink, you can soften the clean cut lines of your layout and create a more natural, aged appearance.

This technique works beautifully on scrapbook pages, journal pages and many other memory keeping projects.

• Technique:
• Products used:
• Tools used:

Technique:

Distressing paper edges with scissors is an easy way to add texture and a slightly aged look to your scrapbook pages or paper crafting projects.

The following video shows this technique beautifully:

1. Open the scissors and start distressing the page by gently “scratching” the edge of the paper with the blade.
2. You will notice that the paper usually distresses easily in one direction, but not in the other. This is because of the grain of the paper or cardstock.
3. Take a moment to find the correct direction before continuing. Working against the grain can cause the paper to tear instead of distressing properly.
4. Continue distressing the edges of the paper until you are happy with the effect.
5. When the distressing is complete, carefully roll the edges of the paper or cardstock around a skewer stick to create a soft curl.
6. Finally, ink the distressed edges using brown ink (I used Distress Ink – Vintage Photo) and a dauber or blending tool to enhance the texture and add depth to the page.

This simple technique adds beautiful texture and works especially well for vintage-style scrapbook layouts. I used this method on the patterned paper in the Life’s a Journey scrapbook layout to soften the edges and create a framed effect.

Products used:

• Patterned paper or cardstock
• Brown in like Distress Ink – Vintage Photo (Ranger)

Tools used:

• Scissors
• Blending Tool
• Skewer stick

If you enjoy simple techniques that add texture and interest to your pages, you may also enjoy exploring other techniques in the Make in Wonder Library: