Bex’s Blog Takeover Week 3 - The Making of Pretty Papers
Hello Again BOOM! Friends and welcome back to Bex's Takeover.
This week we are going to use up some of the bits and pieces I’ve asked you to keep to make some papers for future workshops (See how it’s all coming together).
You will need the leftover gloopy mix from our Glitter Boom!, some kind of food whizzer, an iron, basin, some kind of frame that fits inside the basin, light cotton fabric (old pillowcase or similar), an absorbent cloth, elastic bands, stapler and the fabric scraps from Week One. You can also include glitter, flowers and other pretty bits.
First we need to whizz the gloop up to a super fine mush. This helps get nice strong thin papers.
Then pour mix into basin and add at least the same again in plain water. You want the mix to flow really easily. Don’t fill to the top as you need to get your hands in it later. Stir well and pop to the side while you make a frame up.
I’ve got two options for frames. First and best is an embroidery hoop, it keeps the fabric tension high and usually has a simple release. They also come in lots of sizes.
The second is a simple photo frame. I removed the glass and back for this. (Warning – check before borrowing picture frames, damage can cause complications with home life). You will need some light cotton. Enough to make two piece slightly bigger than your frame and the elastic bands (hair bobbles can work to) Use the elastic to secure the fabric to the frame as tightly as possible. If possible (allowed) you can use a stapler to secure the fabric in place. It will be a little fiddly. Do not use Glue!
Dunk, Dip, Dive your frame into your gloopy mix and give a wee shuggle (little shake) as you lift it. Tilt in all directions and hold above the basin till most of the water has dripped. If your gloop starts to shift too much give it another shuggle (shake) till its sitting flat and covering the framed space again.
Once happy with the coverage, pop onto a flat surface and remove fabric from the frame
Place matching fabric over damp gloopy frame fabric and use an absorbent cloth/sponge to help suck up the excess water. The water can go back into the basin.
Once the excess water is removed you can start to iron on a medium heat. Be careful and keep the iron moving to prevent burning, also watch out for any steam that rises. Once steam reduces peel one side of fabric away from your paper, there is usually one side that comes away easier so do it slowly and check as you go. Carefully remove paper from other side of fabric. This side will be harder so take your time.
I decided to make my paper more interesting and added Flowers and Glitter to mine. You can also add fabric and thread scraps from Week 1.
Lightly place on paper and cover with fabric, then iron on both sides pressing gently. (The paper will still steam so be careful) remove fabric and pop somewhere safe to fully dry.
If you want to have folds in your paper to make cards but are worried it may break dry over a pencil or chopstick and it will dry with a natural fold
Next Week we are going to make dyes and stains from everyday items around your house, some of these will be useful to add to your gloopy mix to make coloured papers.
See you Next Week
Show me your work – writing these takeover makes is fun but I really want to see how you are all doing. Tell me if the posts are easy to follow and how you are adapting them to create your own version. Please send comments to heather@boomcommunityarts.com
We love to see what you have made, share your creations with us twitter @boom_arts or www.facebook.com/BoomCommunityArts
