First of all, let me start out by
thanking Belinda Spiwak of the
Yahoo Group arttechniques, and
Altered Belly Musings
for getting me interested in trying this technique. I did
not make this one up on my own, but I did photograph my journey and
will lay out the steps I used to make my interpretation of Red Rosin
Background Paper.
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
widths 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 together
well, and if it is too thick, it will be difficult to brush on.
Be sure to add some iridescent gold
acrylic paint (my favorite is Lumière paints by Jacquard). Mix
together thoroughly.
I then used a large disposable foam
brush (you could also use a regular paint brush).
Begin by coating the rosin paper in small sections at a time (maybe
one foot by six inches or so). You don't want the glue to dry
before you lay your strips of paper down. Then just lay your paper
strips down however you like.
Overlap some, leave some Red Rosin Paper
show through. I tend to like to use narrower strips of paper as it
makes the papers seem more versatile for future use.
Continue adding glue and paper until you
run out of paper (I actually did my large piece over two days - I
saved my glue wash in a glass jar with a lid overnight).
Once you are done laying your paper
strips out, put a layer of the glue wash on top of your work and
allow to dry.
After the piece had dried completely, I cut it up into smaller more
manageable pieces (approx 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 x 11).
I then used a dry brush with various colors of Lumière Paints. My
favorites are the halo colors as they are a mixture of colors and
gold.
Depending on the colors you use, it
makes a big difference in the outcome and feel of the piece.
I am going to try adding some Golden
Acrylic Mediums with Pearl-Ex for textures as well. Color wash
sprays would also be fun here, too - I have plenty to experiment
with!
Roll up your
sleeves and give it a try, adding your own art personality and
ideas.
I would love to see what you come up with!
The Marilyn ATC is done using images from our
Tribute
to Marilyn collection
Copyright 2008 Alluring
Impressions LLC
You are welcome to link to this project tutorial, but please be
respectful
of the time and effort I have put into it. The information in this
guide is copyrighted,
please do not copy it in part or whole. Thank you.
