Technique: Scoring and Folding

Scoring and folding sounds pretty simple, like something you already know how to do.  In this article, I'm going to describe some tricks I've discovered to use these simple techniques to make borders and embellishments such as the ones shown in this baseball layout about Fenway Park.

For the techniques explained here, you will need something to use as a scoring tool. I use a Martha Stewart Bone Folder, but you can use any type of scoring tool or you can make your own using the dull edge of a plastic knife or the back end of a plastic pen.  You will also need a ruler or straight-edge. I recommend using cardstock with a nice core, such as the Kraft Core or other cardstock from Core'dinations. If you choose to use patterned paper, or cardstock with a white core, then you may want to substitute inking for sanding as I will describe towards the end of this article.  If you are going to sand the edges, you will either need a sanding tool, a nail file, or some sandpaper. If you are going to ink the edges, you may prefer a nice firm ink pad like Memento rather than a softer chalk ink.

The simple steps for this technique are:

1. Using your straight-edge (or template), score along the back of the paper. (Always score on the back.)
2. Fold along the scored-line, so that the front faces out.
3. Sand along the fold. Typically one light swipe along the entire fold-line is sufficient.
4. Open the fold.
5. Repeat these steps as needed.

The background paper on the Fenway layout is the black kraft core cardstock.  First I created the border around the page. I used my ruler to score along the back, a half inch from the edge. After I scored one side, I folded it, sanded lightly along the fold, and unfolded. Then I did the next side, until I had a border.  Although in the example the lines are parallel to the edge, you can use this same technique to create lines anywhere: through the middle of the paper, to make a border on a photo mat, or even on a diagonal. Be creative.

The stars are one of my favorite embellishments using this technique. They are actually much easier to make than they look. Use a punch or die to cut your star. Turn the star over and score a line on the back from one corner through the center to the opposite side as shown here.

Fold along the scored line and do a quick sanding along the fold. Unfold and repeat for each of the other corners.

When you are done, arrange the star by hand as shown here.

I also used this technique to make the baseball embellishments on the Fenway Park layout. To make the baseball, I punched two circles: one to use for my baseball and another to use as a template. I traced the edge of the template circle onto the back of the baseball using my scoring tool. Since the score isn't straight, I couldn't make a complete fold, but I was able to fold along the scored line enough to sand. I also sanded along the edge of the circle to give the baseball a vintage look.

If you are not using paper with an attractive core, you might want to substitute inking for sanding in the above instructions. To get a thin, straight line use a firm ink and rub it along the fold one time. Here is an example of the star using patterned paper and Memento ink.

With a little creativity, this technique can be used to create many types of scored effects and embellishments. If you try this technique, please share your results in the gallery. Here is one more example from my Scrapjazz gallery.