After talking in general terms about the properties of paper in Day one, its time to move on to actually "handling" the paper. There are certain tools you will need if you find yourself having to fold the paper.
No matter where it has to be folded, you must prepare your stock for this. Cover stock especially, but also text weight paper to a certain extent. The method is called scoring.
Make sure you secure a BONE FOLDER. There are other kinds, but this one is the most popular and most effective. The pointy end is used to deaden the fibers of paper, and it will give you a smoother fold.
Use a straight edge when dragging the bone folder along the paper/stock. A triangle is ideal. As long as the bottom, horizontal edge is flush with the paper, then you know that your vertical edge is perfectly straight. Don't try to eyeball this, you need a guide. You don't want to spend time scoring your stock crookedly. It will be obvious when its time to fold, because your edges won't meet.
Here is the result of stock that has been SCORED with a bone folder. See the pronounced impression? The paper is now ready to fold. The side that you see will remain on the OUTSIDE. Never fold it the other way. This impression creates a bit of a "hinge" and will give you a better fold.
Voila... A polished fold.
Another view. This edge is also referred to as the "spine".
An example of what NOT to do is to simply fold a piece of cardstock WITHOUT using the bone folder. It is very noticeable when you don't take the time to score your stock.
See the difference? Even when smoothed out, its just a more ragged, amateur look. Invest in a bone folder!
That's it for scoring... We'll tackle trimming tomorrow! --ct
