Many people are adding "paper piecings" to their scrapbook these days, but are not sure the difference between true paper piecings and computer generated ones.

Actual paper piecings

True paper piecings require that the pattern be traced onto several different pieces of colored card stock. Once they have been traced they are cut out and assembled in a layered fashion for creating a natural 3-D effect without even adding pop dots as we do in some cases. They are shaded and highlighted to accent them even more and when finished you have a handmade piece of art. These paper piecings made from high quality acid free and lignin free cardstock will last for will remain unchanged in your scrapbook for years to come.If you are looking for a one of a kind book you know will last through time this is the way to go. They generally cost more than the computer generated kind, but you spared no expense for your vacation...now is not the time to start when you are talking about your memories.

Paper piecing

Computer generated- Ahh, where to start? My biggest issue with the computer generated "paper piecings" is that allot of the time you aren't told that that is what you are getting. It is true that these days technology is getting better at the ink quality and that there are studies that show they should remain unchanged in your album for 50 or so years. Home printing hasn't been around long enough for them to have research much past then.

The biggest differences between the two techniques is the time involved, the craftsmanship and quality. You get what you pay for so beware. There are not many people out there who can make true paper piecings anymore. There are allot out there making these computer generated images that they printed 2 or three copies of and are layering them like the old decapouge. While the true paper piecings have on average of 20-30 individual pieces used to create them.

I hope you have a better understanding of the differences between the two. Now go out there and get started on those albums! We are all behind aren't we? That's what I thought! I'm off to scrapbook..