How To Use A Bone Folder

How To Use A Bone Folder

Are you looking for a tool to make your paper work easier in the studio? The bone folder is very useful for everyday use.

THE BONE FOLDER STORY

At first glance, the bone folder may look like Rahan’s knife. But it’s nothing like this!

Made of bone, plastic, wood, horn, resin, stone, bamboo and even Teflon®, the folder is a small tool that can be used to make a neat crease or fold in thick paper or cardboard.

You may have already noticed that the thicker the paper, the more likely it is that tears will form if it does not fold properly.

Older folders may have handles with decorative elements. Originally, they were carved from real animal bones, often deer or elk. Bone is an ideal material as it remains strong, smooth and does not dull easily.

GOOD TO KNOW: When using a folder, use a soft support under the sheet that is to be folded. At this stage, be careful not to press too hard on the tip of the folder to avoid accidentally perforating or slicing the surface of the paper or cardboard. The folder can be sanded and sharpened if necessary. It is very easy to clean.

THE RIGHT WAY TO USE A FOLDER

Simply slide your folder along a ruler to create a mark that will facilitate the perfect fold in the right place. This tool allows you to apply constant pressure when creating the fold, with little or no shine to the paper.

The bone folder is used to create a professional, clean and precise folds. The rounded and pointed ends of the tool allow the corners of the fold to be worked finely if required.

My favourite tools :

• Hahnemühle Bamboo Folder
• Teflon Folder
• Others bone folders on this link

ARTIST’S TIP: A bamboo or bone folder is very useful for separating sheets from a block of paper glued on all four sides (watercolour or acrylic paper) without tearing the sheet.

BONE FOLDERS ALLOW DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES

• folding creases
• card-making
• marouflage
• scrapbooking
• origami
• kirigami
• burnishing decorative papers
• framing

GOOD TO KNOW: The crease initially made allows a clean fold. The paper will not be damaged and the finish will be perfect and the risk of tearing is reduced. This is why thick paper is creased before folding. The folding area is marked by compressing the paper, which prepares the fibre without breaking it and thus allows a clean fold without damaging the support.

WHERE TO FIND A BONE FOLDER ?

These products are currently available at GreatArt Online or in the art supply shop in London Shoreditch..

We can find bone folders in different shapes and sizes. When buying one, make sure that it is easy to hold and that it is suitable for the intended purpose.

Content provided by AmyleeParis

The passion of Amylee, fine artist and author is to share her paintings between galleries, art collectors and her community. Amylee is also recognized as one of the most influential French artist-entrepreneurs. Since 2009 she has mentored thousands of visual artists guiding them to thriving their art career.

You can visit her colourful portfolio,follow her on Facebook and Instagram, or find all Amylee’s posts published in GreatArt online Magazineby clicking here!