11. All-In-One Bone Folder & Creasing Tool
What This Idea Means
Traditionally carved from cattle bone or molded from smooth Teflon, a bone folder is an indispensable hand tool used to score, fold, burnish, and smooth paper, cardstock, leather, and bookbinding cloth without leaving shiny marks or tears.
How to Make It (How to Set Up & Use)
- Score the Line: Place a metal ruler along your fold line on cardstock. Drag the pointed tip of the bone folder firmly along the ruler to score a clean indent.
- Fold the Sheet: Fold the paper along the scored line toward the indented groove.
- Burnish the Fold: Lay the wide, flat edge of the bone folder against the folded edge and stroke firmly down its length to create a razor-sharp, flat crease.
- Smooth Adhesives: Use the smooth flat belly of the tool to press paper down onto glued surfaces, eliminating air bubbles without scratching prints.
Tips and Variations
- Tips: Teflon bone folders are slightly more expensive than traditional natural bone, but glues and adhesives will never stick to them.
- Variations: Scoreboards feature pre-grooved plastic channels paired with a bone folder to allow rapid creation of custom envelopes and gift boxes.
Needs to Make/Use
- Natural bone or Teflon creasing tool
- Heavy cardstock or bookbinding paper
- Metal edge ruler
- Scoring board (optional)