1. When tearing paper one side will show the paper core and the other will not. (If your paper is a solid color, this is not a concern). Where you want the core to show will determine which way you hold and rip the paper.
   
   
2. Rip a piece of red paper down the middle. If you rip with your dominant hand (let’s say your right hand), the core (white) will show on the left hand side. If you rip with your left hand, then the core shows to the right side.
   
   
3. For more controlled tear hold the paper and tear towards you. Usually the slower you tear the more ragged or deckled the edge of the paper will be.
   
   

• Chalk the torn edges. Especially pretty with white core edges.
• Ripped and torn paper is great for collage and altered art.
• Mulberry paper gives a soft wispy edge when torn.
• Try tearing 2-tone or double-hued paper; one color on the front and a different color (not just white) on the back. This type of paper can be found in origami sheets and cardstock sheets.
• Scraps leftover from ripping and tearing can be used to make Serendipity paper.
• Layer the ripped or torn paper. Layers add texture, depth and interest.
• Tear paper for the mats around photos or captions.
• Weave torn paper. Very earthy, homespun look.
• Some thick handmade papers are very unpredictable when tearing so to get an even deckled look you can “water cut” the paper. Dip a thick round brush into water. Brush the water along the edge you wish to rip. Rip along the wet area.
• For more control you can use a straight edge or deckled edge ruler to rip against.

Maria Nerius is a Professional Crafter, Author, and Contributing Writer and Columnist to industry trade journal, Craftrends.