My decorative papers

[angieh]

Eesy-peesy folks! Not proper marbelled papers, no need for alum or carageen, just water and acrylic, I used acrylic inks.

This was demonstrated at my calligraphy class, so I don't take any credit for the process but each piece is individual and probably non-repeatable so unique. Some work, some don't ........ but even with sheets that don't work, there may be an area you like and could cut out and use. Loads of uses, cards in particular or collage or covering little books or boxes, or nice gift cards perhaps.

This was my first attempt on my own and I did not stretch the paper properly which you really need to do. I was using an ordinary weight cartridge paper and now that my gummed paper has arrived (next day delivery!) I will certainly try again.

Steps:
1. Wet chosen paper - if you are using a heavyweight watercolour paper, you could soak it but for ordinary paper, I just used a big brush and mopped up excess water with a sponge. [I read somewhere that it helps with the spreading of the colour if you put a very few drops of washing up liquid in the water - does something with the surface tension.]

2. While the paper is still wet, brush on a dilute colour. As I said, I was using Acrylic ink (Rowney FW Ink) but there are other sorts and you could use watercolour. One benefit of using acrylic is that the dried paper is then waterproof.

3. While everything is still soaking wet, slop on another colour, and a third if you wish.

4. Flick or drop in another colour and let it spread - put something under the top of the board to allow the paint to travel on its own!

5. Put a piece of clingfilm over the paper and gently rub it around in the colours.

6. Let the whole thing dry before removing the clingfilm.

First paper:

Detail:

[angieh]

Second paper:

Detail:

[yola]

I remember doing this at O Level art class, more like your 2nd paper. I also remember the frustration of it not working as I wanted as I needed the marbled paper for another project.

[fecto's mum]

They look fab Angie, I might have a go at that. Got some watercolour paper and acrylic paints. Love the colours on the 2nd one.

Haven't made up my cards yet, they would look good on that sort of paper. Thanks for the pics.

[angieh]

Yola, you must have had "fun" in your school art classes - ours were never that exciting. I didn't enjoy art classes at school and spent a whole term drawing a bone! Marbling is far more exacting - I found this useful and interesting manual which goes some way to explain the technique: http://www.edenworkshops.com/Paper_M..._Download.html

The skill is in being able to replicate the design.

FM - I'd be really interested in seeing your decorative paper if you give it a go and the cards you make too.

[Kazz]

I think you are doing very well Angie. Fecto's mom I would be interesting in seeing your cards too.

Angie persevere you will get there.

[Shelley123]

lovely Angie, my favorite is the second paper too, reminds me of butterflys wings.

[angieh]

Thanks Shelley. I've made a little trial of a lotus book using some of the first paper. I think the cover has come out well, although I am not sure about the amount of fussy folded paper inside. I may restrict it to one page (as in my tutor's book - she knows best!) so that it can be used to display a script. But at least I know how to do a lotus fold, which although I had good instructions just confounded me!

[PoshPuss]

I love the 'A' initial (then again I would wouldn't I ? )
It looks quite Celtic and the blue/green combo is lovely

[angieh]

Thanks PP ....... took me a mo to twig, Nette, short for Annette?

Quite by chance I found a lovely blog on t'Internet when I was searching for lotus books and I sent the lady an email. I have received such an encouraging reply that I'm going to be trying again .....