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. Sizing agents are things like glue, gelatin, gum, or starch. This is then added to fabric or paper pulp to add stiffness or shine, 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 International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, scale. The scales of the paper industry register and measure in grams per square meter. Tissue paper has a measurement of 10-35gsm (grams per square meter). Lightweight cardstock is 100-120gsm. So, you can see how it stacks up in comparison.

Paper streamers come in a variety of bright and bold colors or pastels, as well as black and white. It may or may not bleed. This shirring or ‘creping’ can also be applied to other types of paper. It is the backing for various types of tape, including masking tape and electrical tape. You didn’t know you were decorating twice when you taped the crepe paper streamers on, did you?

Streamers aren’t just used for party decoration, either. It can be used to make craft flowers or for costumes. It is used for accessories of all kinds and to create the floats we see in Christmas parades. It is also used in paper sculptures and appliqués. Crepe paper can be used to decorate Easter eggs by simply adding a bit of water to the paper and letting it drip onto the egg, and it will soak up the color creating some beautiful patterns and designs that are one step away from the usual dipping method. Obviously, you will need to know that you have something of the kind that bleeds.

It can be used to make pictures when cut into small squares. The eraser end of a pencil is used to shape squares around it, then dipped in a small amount of household glue. Dip the paper just enough to cover the end of the pencil, then arrange it on construction paper in whatever shape you like. They must be placed together to create the desired effect. But, since crepe paper is inexpensive, this is a great way to entertain the kids.

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