Paper tole is an art technique in which part or all of an image is raised from the surface to give a 3 dimensional effect which enhances the natural shape of the image. For example, this technique can be used to emphasize the curved petals of a flower or the rounded curve of a balloon, apple or strawberry.

Three basic types of paper tole techniques used with rubber stamping:

Simple Tole 1: A duplicate of an image is stamped on a different paper, colored and carefully cut out. This duplicate is then mounted on top of the original with foam mounts, causing it to be raised. One or more pieces of foam mount can be applied, depending on the height desired.

Simple Tole 2: Part of an image is carefully cut out and lifted from the surface of the card to give it "life." For example, a butterfly wing or a few petals from a flower can be lifted out. A piece of matching or contrasting cardstock can be glued to the back of your work to fill the cut areas. A simple way to tole an entire large flower is to stamp and color a duplicate image, cut out the petals up to the center, fold or curl outward, and glue the center of the flower onto its original with rubber cement.

True Paper Tole: Each element of a duplicate image is cut out separately with an X-acto® knife, curved or curled, and reapplied directly over the original. This creates a sculptured, layered, three dimensional effect.

T E C H N I Q U E: True Paper Tole

Supplies Needed:

• Art-Stamp images. (Designs having large individual elements work best.)

• Scissors, Exacto Knife, Cutting Mat Clear silicon gel or hot glue gun.
  (Silicon gel is available at a hardware store.)

• Spoon, Pen, Paintbrush handle, etc.
  (You will use these for curling and curving pieces.)

Basic Technique:

1. Stamp out the desired image on the front of your card and color it.

2. Stamp out and color an identical image on a separate piece of cardstock.

3. Cut out all (or some) of the design elements from your duplicate image.

4. For designs with many pieces, number a copy of the original and your duplicate pieces to match. This will help you to find the right position for each.

5. Color over the edge of your cut pieces to hide the white cut marks.

6. Curve or curl each individual piece around the edge of a spoon, the tip of a pen, the handle of a small paintbrush, or simply press it into the palm of your hand. Try to make the curves realistic for the design.

7. Apply silicon gel or hot glue to the underside of each curved piece. Make it as high as you wish to raise the image. The curve of the piece will hide the glue.

8. Attach each cut out piece to the corresponding place on the original stamped design on your card. A tweezers or toothpick will help you to position it. Begin working with the bottom or back layers first and build toward the front or top.

S T A M P I N G  T I P S

• A tab can be cut on the bottom of large images or sections and inserted into a slot on the card. This technique requires patience and precision cutting. Your efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful, realistic art piece.

• Add glitter to finished tole work wherever appropriate to add sparkle and highlights.

• Add special effects. For example, papyrus strips glued to a strawberry box give it a very realistic look. Glitter applied to berries makes them look sugared and ready to eat!

• Make entire scenes, picture frames or decorated boxes using paper tole techniques. Greeting cards, wrapping paper, art prints, etc. can also be used for paper tole.