When you hear needlework which can be with paper, you will think that it is really strange idea, but paper embroidery has actually been practiced by people for many decades now. Although it has been started quite a long time ago, its popularity only started to peak in recent years when more individuals manifested interest in this unique art form.

The main purpose of paper embroidery these days is to add a personal touch to otherwise nondescript items, such as notebook covers perhaps or a page in your scrapbook. Many people also like to create paper embroidery greeting cards.

We all like receiving gifts and remembrances that the giver had put a lot of effort into making, and paper embroidery cards are definitely something that is well thought of. These gifts will surely be treasured by the recipient for many years.

Paper embroidery is very similar to needlework on fabric in the sense that you use a needle and thread to create attractive patterns and designs. The concept is the same and the only difference is in the materials to be used.

When preparing your materials for your paper embroidery, the first thing you have to think about is the type of paper that you will be using. It has to be something that is tough enough to contain the threads of the embroidery design, but also fibrous enough for you to be able to push a needle through it.

Speaking of needles, the type of needle you need for your paper embroidery project is something that is very thin and sharp so it won’t create unnecessary pores in your paper.

You also have to make sure though that the eye of the needle will be able to accommodate the thickness of the thread you are planning to use. Many paper embroidery experts recommend that you use the 75/11 needles for your work.

The next thing you have to consider is the kinds of threads to use. In paper embroidery, you can actually use any kind of embroidery thread you like. You just have to make sure that the thread will fit the needle, and that it won’t be too thick for the paper you have decided on using.

One of the fabulous things about paper embroidery is that you can combine the needlework with other forms of art that you can do on paper. For example, you can use clear glue to sprinkle glitter onto your paper, or even add sequins or beads to your work.

There is actually no limit to what you can add. You just have to make sure that your paper embroidery project is well put together even with all the elements you put in.

Today’s soft toy is far removed from the ones back in the past. Some are very sophisticated indeed and the fillings and fabrics used are definitely 21st century. Hypo-allergenic, washable, ‘green’ etc., you name it and there is bound to be a soft toy made in exactly what you want. Take the bean-bag style of soft toy. Literally a bag made in any shape, e.g. lion, snowman, rabbit, frog etc., that kids and adults alike like to scrunch around in their fingers. Then there are the wipe clean soft toys made out of vinyl fabrics that are great for smaller children who tend to dribble a bit or the babies who are teething and put just about everything in their mouths.

Some of the traditional style soft toys, like rag dolls for instance, have been brought up to date with removable clothes. The body of the doll can be anything from a traditional girl rag doll to a floppy eared dog. All the clothes have different fastenings allowing the child to learn while it plays. Of course there will always be new innovations and they blast onto the TV screens every year from about July onwards – who said Christmas comes around earlier every year? – and children and parents alike are inundated with choice. But think twice about what you want your child to play with.

With traditional toys, especially soft toys, you know that your child will be tempted to use its imagination and make up story lines. The toy will bring comfort if the child is worried about something. It can be cuddled in bed giving the child a sense of security, and if it’s loved enough the toy can become part of the family being passed down from generation to generation with a myriad of stories about fond memories. On the other hand, of course, you could opt for techno toys that everyone seems to be crazy about. Unfortunately, most of the computer style games tend to have an element of violence about them. They also encourage a kind of self imposed exile on the child because they can’t talk while they are concentrating on killing the next enemy.

The techno toy is here to stay, obviously, but make a little room for the traditional toy so the child can enjoy the best of both worlds.