Crepe Paper Streamers - How and What?

What is crepe paper anyway? Crepe paper is tissue paper that is coated with a sizing agent and then 'creped' to create gathers. The sizing agents are things like glue or gelatin or gum or starch. Then, this is added to cloth or paper pulp to add a stiffness or a sheen, among other things. This gives crepe paper that distinct and unique texture and feel. One that is very different from the usual tissue paper.

One might wonder what tissue paper is. Tissue paper is the lightest weight paper on the scale of the International Organization for Standardization or ISO. The paper industry scales record and measure by grams per square meter. Tissue paper has a measurement of 10-35gsm (grams per square meter). Lightweight card stock has 100-120gsm. So, you can see just how it stacks up in comparison.

Paper streamers come in an array of bright and bold colors or pastels, as well as white and black. It may or may not bleed. This gathering or 'creping' can be applied to other types of paper also. It is the backing for various kinds of tape including masking tape and electrical tape. You didn't know you were double decorating when you taped up the crepe paper streamers with masking tape, did you?

Streamers are not just used for decorating parties, either. It can be used in making craft flowers, or in costuming. It is used for accessories of all kinds and in creating the floats that we see in holiday parades. It is used in paper sculptures and appliques, too. Crepe paper can be used to decorate Easter eggs simply by adding a little water to the paper and letting it bleed onto the egg, and it will absorb the color creating some beautiful patterns and designs that is a step away from the usual dipping method. Obviously, you will need to know you have some of the kind that does bleed.

It can be used to make pictures when it is cut up into small squares. The eraser end of a pencil is used to shape the squares around it and then dipped into a small amount of household glue. Dipping the paper only enough to cover the very end of the pencil and then placing it on card stock in the shape of anything desired. It must be placed close together to create the desired effect. But, since crepe paper is inexpensive this is a great way to entertain children.

Crepe paper is sold in long narrow strips that are up to two inches in width. It also comes in folded or flat sheets.

If you are interested in browsing a wide variety of crepe paper please visit our online party store for more information.