I absolutely love finding ways to re-purpose items I already have. Especially things that I have grown bored of or no longer have a use for. Seeing as how I am a paper junkie, I tend to collect lots and lots of it. After 14 years of stamping, I have not only collected a lot of paper, I have also gone through numerous styles trying to find my own. This technique was a perfect match for me. I found a way to use up the background papers I have amassed in a way that speaks to me as an artist.
I started my journey in the paint department at my local home improvement store. I purchased a large roll of Red Rosin Paper (it comes in 36" x 167' for under $10).
I chose to do my work on our pool table as it saves my back some wear and tear. Be sure to cover your workspace with a piece of painters plastic or some other waterproof protective type of covering. I decided to unroll a piece of the Red Rosin Paper the length of the pool table to work with.
Tear long strips of paper - thinner papers such as background papers work better than heavier card stocks. I chose to work with my collected (and hoarded) 12x12 background papers as well as some larger sheets of handmade mulberry paper. I sat down in front of the TV with a stack of papers and started tearing. At this point I should have figured 3 feet by eight feet equals about 24 pieces of 12 x 12 paper. However, in typical "me" fashion I jumped right in with both feet and tore up most of my collection. (I have enough torn paper now for probably half a dozen more of these beauties!). Be sure to use papers of varying colors, patterns, textures, and thicknesses to add interest to your piece. *NOTE: Keep in mind the size of art you work with when tearing up your strips. If you primarily work with ATC's, you may want narrower strips than someone who works with larger 12 x 12 layouts - (I do not know the archival quality of Red Rosin Paper as it would relate to photographs).
I took an empty sour cream container (washed and dried, of course!) to mix up a glue wash. Belinda suggested to use either Sobo glue or Perfect Paper adhesive by US ArtQuest. I opted for Sobo as it was considerably cheaper and I could purchase it at my local craft store with my 40% coupon. You want to be sure to choose a glue that isn't too thick to work with as well as one that doesn't dry too quickly. Use about a 3 to 1 mixture of glue to water. If it is too watery, it will not hold the paper
