No Bones About It: Crafting with a Bone Folder
12 March 2009
Author: Karen Bulmahn
When we think of folding a piece of paper, most of us bend it in half and crease it with our fingernail to create a fold. Many crafters have probably seen a bone folder but have no idea what this tool is or why it is used. A bone folder is a dull edged tool used to score and sharply crease paper and craft materials. It originated with the art of book binding where tight folds were mandatory. Over time its use has expanded into other crafts such as sewing, card making and scrapbooking. A “real” bone folder is made from the leg bone of a cow, deer or other similar animal, hence the name bone folder. Because true bone folders can be pricey, synthetic bone folders made from plastic are also available, and are generally what manufacturers sell to craft stores. Now that the definition is clear, let’s explore some of the alternative uses for this handy tool.
Obviously, a bone folder is most often used to create tight creases. It’s a must-have tool for every card maker, and has become an important gadget for scrapbookers to keep within hand’s reach while designing. 
Bone folders actually have many other uses; for example, they are great rub on tools. Most bone folders are pointed on one end and rounded and thick on the other. The pointed end is perfect for applying those intricate rub on designs. The pointed tip can also create wonderful lines and accents when used to “score” vellum or foil paper. The rounded end is great for burnishing paper that is placed over metal plates. This will create an embossed pattern on your paper. You can also lay a sheet of paper over any flat textured surface or item, and rub the paper with the thick end of the bone folder to create interesting textures in your paper. Bone folders are great to use when working with decoupage. The thick end of the tool can be used to smooth the surface when applying the decoupage glue over the paper. Since they are made from synthetic materials, they wash up very easily with soap and water.
After exploring its background and uses, hopefully the bone folder has a new meaning and purpose in your crafting. They are inexpensive, can be purchased easily and are definitely worth having in your stash of tools. Once you own one and use it with regularity, you will see how much it can aid you in your projects.