Paper Tearing

Paper Tearing is a technique that can add texture, dimension and interest to your pages. It requires no tools, it is fast and easy, and gives a unique look to your pages. Paper Tearing can be used almost anywhere, but one of its most common uses is for embellishments of objects that don't have an even edge. These include items such as trees, fur, snow, sand and water. Of course, there is no limit to the use of Paper Tearing! (See our Paper Tearing gallery)

Paper is made from fibers, all compressed together. When you tear apart a piece of paper, you are breaking apart the fibers. Therefore, different types of paper will give you different looks. Some paper will be easier to tear than others. Thinner paper is not necessarily easier to tear than cardstock. With a little time, you will have a better feel for which papers tear easily, and what "look" each paper gives.

Where can I use Paper Tearing? Anywhere! Here are a few ideas: sand, water, dirt, mountains, grass, trees, fur, sheep, suns, snow, hair (and beards & mustaches!), your favorite fuzzy sweater, flowers and leaves. Tear your titles, your frames and mats, your borders, anywhere you want to add a little spice.

How do you tear stuff? Paper Tearing can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it's a breeze! There are really only three steps to tearing:

Before you begin your project, take a practice piece of paper you will using. Hold your paper in your non-dominant hand (holding hand). Pull with your thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand (pulling hand) toward you to create your torn edge. While you are tearing, note how easy or difficult it is to tear. Also note that you always have a "rough" side of the tear (the front) and a "smooth" side (the back). Decide which "look" you like best for your project and make sure to tear accordingly.

Lightly draw your tear lines onto the "wrong side" of the paper or cardstock. Later you can "freehand" your items just by eyeing it.

Until you get the hang of paper tearing, make slow pulls in the same direction along your tear lines. Guide your pulling with your thumb and forefinger of your holding hand. Later, you can modify your pulls accordingly for the look you want.

More tips:

• For detailed objects, use a small, controlled tearing motion. For long abstract scenes, (such as water, sand or grass along the bottom of your page), you can use long, sweeping movement.


• Some people like the "rough" side of the tear facing up, and some like the "smooth" side up. Always decide which you want, and keep it consistent within the layout.


• Paper that is printed on one-side will have a solid "outline" if you like the "rough" side up. Some solid papers are printed on both sides, as opposed to the same color throughout. These papers will also have an "outline" on the rough side.


• Chalking your paper tearing is a wonderful way to add even more dimension to your artwork!


• You really do not want straight torn edges for most projects. Slopes, jagged edges and irregularity are the look you are after!

If you aren't happy with the final product, you can "edit" by making tiny tears along the finished edges. One of the beauties of this technique is that there is no perfection needed!

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Related Links:  Layouts featuring Paper Tearing  Torn Paper and Textures in Adobe Photoshop  Learn paper tearing and other techniques from Scrap Tutor

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