Create a lovely layered background with the paper strips plaid technique. I think we all have a pile of scrap paper (well, maybe not if we are following Tricia's efficient cutting instructions) hanging around. Now is the time to use it!
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-35_480x480.jpg?v=1610129060)
Paper Strips Plaid technique
Gather paper scraps from a recent project. (I'm working with papers from the Christmas In The Neighborhood Page Kit.)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-1.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-1_480x480.jpg?v=1610129086)
Trim each paper color into the following widths: Blue - 3/4", Red - 1/2", Green -1/4", and Pink - 1/8".
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-2.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-2_480x480.jpg?v=1610129105)
Line up the bottom edge of a 4 x 5.25" white panel with the 45 degree angle mark on the 8x8" Grid Ruler.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-3.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-3_480x480.jpg?v=1610129123)
Cover the back of the first strip with a bit of Bookbinding Glue dispensed from a Needle-tipped Applicator. Adhere to the white panel with the grid ruler as the guide.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-4.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-4_480x480.jpg?v=1610129133)
Move the ruler over the blue strip so that it is aligned with the 3/4" mark.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-5_480x480.jpg?v=1610129142)
Continue to add the blue strips in the same fashion.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-7.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-7_480x480.jpg?v=1610129155)
Flip the white panel to see and trim away the excess paper.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-8.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-8_480x480.jpg?v=1610129169)
Rotate the grid ruler with the angle in the opposite direction. To keep your work surface free of glue, apply the adhesive to the art panel rather than the strip.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-9.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-9_480x480.jpg?v=1610129181)
The red, green, and pink pieces can be placed using the blue strips as a guide.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-11.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-11_480x480.jpg?v=1610129192)
Continue to place the strips until the pattern is complete.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-16.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-16_480x480.jpg?v=1610129201)
Add an extra bit of sparkle and shine with thin line Silver Dazzles from the Geodes collection.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-18_480x480.jpg?v=1610129211)
Wrap the excess strips around to the back of the panel to secure.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-19.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-19_480x480.jpg?v=1610129223)
When the background is complete, add it to the front of the card along with a stamped scene and matted sentiment.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/Paper-Strips-Plaid-Technique-32_480x480.jpg?v=1610129234)
Join me next week in part two to learn how I made the adorable stamped scenery for the front of this card. Happy Paper Crafting!
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0440/9602/8828/files/CS_Julie.jpg)
Julie