A bone folder is a bookbinder's tool used to crease and smooth folds, score and burnish paper, and work materials into tight corners. Miniaturist's use the bone folder to create perfect creases in paper miniatures or to remove bubbles when applying wall paper to dollhouse walls. The bone folder is polished to a smooth finish to avoid damaging the paper or fabric it is drawn across. It usually has a thin sharp edge.
To use the folder you first crease the paper or fabric by hand, then run the tapered edge of the bone folder smoothly down the fold to press the fold line flat. This is the best way to make perfectly creased folds, remove bubbles from transparent stickers and smooth out glued paper surfaces.
The surface of the bone folder should be cleaned regularly to keep it smooth and free of glue and other residue.
Bone folders are available from craft and scrapbooking suppliers.
