Technique: Week 3 – Easy Plantable Seed Paper

May 30, 2006 at 7:37 pm (Altered Art, Announcements, Art, Art & Crafts, Collage, Contests, Crafts, Gallery, Hobbies, meme, prize, Scrapbooking, Tuesdays, Tutorials)

Confession Time.

I've always avoided creating paper..I was intimidated by it.

It seemed like there were so many materials that I didn't already have on hand, and it would be too costly to acquire them. I was under the illusion that it would take hours to complete, and I just couldn't seem to find that extra time. When this technique was submitted, i was skeptical at first… but after trying it? I CAN NOT believe it took me this long to do it! I am hooked!! It was fast, simple.. and has soooo many possibilities.

So if you are reading this, and find yourself as skeptical as I was … give it a try anyway. Don't allow yourself to be intimidated like I did! And for those that have ventured into the world of hand made papers already… challenge yousrself with this, find a creative twist … a dye, elements to add to it, shapes… that you hadn't tried previously!

Enjoy the process!

(And if anyone cares to create some handmade birthday cards out of their lovely paper.. My birthday is June 3rd … hint hint!)

– Chrysti

Try It Tuesdays: Week 3 – Easy Plantable Seed Paper
By: Urban Debris
Edited By: Chrysti
Approx. Time Involved: 20 minutes + Drying Time
© 2006 Urban Debris, All Rights Reserved.

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Formerly from Texas, Robin is a published, mixed media and digital artist whose paintings and collages are found in private collections around the world. Her art blog is a visual journal of altered art, embellished art, collage, mixed media and assemblage. A proud ZNE member whose art blog continues to grow into a valuable resource for both artists and collectors, she also has a fabulous store filled with her amazing art!

 

Materials List:

• Sponge
• Terry Cloth Towel
• Strainer
• Large Plastic Cup
• Blender/Food Processor (For making paper pulp)
• White Felt or Flannel Fabric
• Paper to Recycle
• Flower Seeds
• Colored Tissue Paper (optional)

Prep:

• Select pieces of paper to recycle.*
• Tear into small pieces
• Put pieces in blender, until it’s approx. half full

TIP!! You can mix different types to create your own unique paper.

Let’s Play!:

     1. Fill the blender with warm water.

     2. Slowly run the blender and gradually increase the speed until the pulp looks smooth and well blended. (30 -40 seconds) Check that no flakes of paper remain. If they do, blend longer.

TIP!! Tint your pulp by adding a 1 inch square of colored tissue paper before blending.

     3. Add a pinch of flower seeds to pulp and gently stir. Do not blend seeds!

     4. Set strainer on cup. Pour blended pulp with seeds through strainer.

TIP!! Squeeze the pulp a bit to get out the rest of water.

     5. Plop pulp directly onto felt or flannel fabric.

     6. Pat pulp into desired shape. It should be not too thick, but can be thicker than regular paper.

TIP!! The thicker it is the longer it will take to dry.

     7. Tilt pulp sheet on fabric over cup. Press water out of wet pulp with fingers.

     8. Use sponge to remove additional water. Press pulp flat.

     9. Use a terry cloth towel to remove last amount of water. Press firmly.

Now choose a method below to dry your paper, and there you have it… your own handmade seed paper! Plant it, or use itin your art!

• Set paper on pie pan or pizza pan in 250 degree oven for about 10 mins.
• Gently wave hair dryer over paper until it is dry enough to peel off and turn over. Repeat blow dry.
• Set in front of household fan.

Shop the ZNE store and member listings for inspiring artwork, fabulous, unique collage supplies, and so much more!! variaZioNE is a community of Mixed Media Artists where members can learn and grow together. There’s always an array of activities going on, charity projects, learning scholarships, swaps, ongoing chunky books and more… Join today!

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• Go to the Entry Submission Page and follow the instructions http://alteredabbey.com/try_it_tuesdays_signup.htm
• It's that easy! See the FAQ for additional help & rules.

  Now go make some paper!! I can't wait to see what everyone makes! – Chrysti

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