Tool Talk: Scoring Board

 
I've never been much of a gadget girl. I can resist most of the products that promise to make my life easier and more productive. But occasionally, a tool comes along that really does make it all easier and faster, which helps when you're a crafter (because anyone who makes things knows it can be really time consuming). At any rate, I found myself making a lot of rosettes recently and happened to stumble across a scoring board from Martha Stewart Crafts. I also happened to have one of those wonderful 40% off coupons that Michaels stores seem to give away every week, so $12 didn't feel like too much of an investment. I gave it a try and I'm so glad I did!

It comes with a bone folder and an envelope guide (both of which can be conveniently stored in the board), along with a booklet that tells you how to make your own envelopes and gift boxes.  I haven't gotten around to those yet, but if you're a paper crafter, I think this is a great tool to add to your arsenal.  It's perfect for card making and the aforementioned rosettes.  Thanks to my scoring board, I can make them quickly and the folds are perfect, to boot!

HOW TO MAKE ROSETTES:

 
Step 1:  Cut a strip of paper to the desired size (the smallest rosette in the top picture measures 3/4 x 10 inches, the medium 1 x 11 inches, and the larger 1 1/2 x 12 inches). There are no hard and fast rules about paper length and width, but generally, the wider your strip, the longer the paper will need to be in order to make a complete round. (If you decide to make a giant rosette, simply attach lengths of paper together with double-sided tape.) Once your paper is cut, score it with the bone folder (I scored the paper strip along every other line).

Step 2: Accordion fold the paper strip along the scored lines and place a strip of double-sided tape (or glue) along one edge.

Step 3: Bring the other edge of the accordion pleated strip around to meet the first (the edge with the adhesive) and secure. You should now have a pleated circle that resembles a cupcake liner. Turn it over and apply glue on the inner edges. Let it sit for a moment, until the glue gets tacky and starts to dry. (My preferred paper glue is shown above.)

Step 4: Bring the inner edges of the pleated strip together, so that they meet in the middle. Hold for a moment, until the glue starts to set. You can also weight the rosette with the glue bottle (or a small juice glass), until it dries.

Comments

[Katie J]

I just found your blog today and had to tell you I'm LOVING it- added to my way too long already "reader" list! I saw this scoring board somewhere else and now you've sold me, I NEED one.