How To Divide a Full Sheet of Arches Watercolor Paper into Standard Sizes

[@BillAd9]

I use a metal soup spoon to press the crease after folding the paper. This helps to create a smooth, straight edge when separating the sheet.

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your tip - that’s a good idea. I live in such a dry climate that my watercolor paper basically breaks when I fold it, but when I lived on the coast it was much harder to tear the heavy paper, so your spoon method is perfect. Especially since it prevents handling the paper too much with your hands.

[@MissAspka]

Thanks for this video! I was starting to get palpitations about trying to measure out my sheet and mark lines with a pencil and wrangle my small guillotine to cut it down. It didn’t occur to me that folding paper as fancy as this could work so well. You’ve likely saved me the cost of my sheet! Thank s!

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your sweet comments - so glad you found my little watercolor paper demo helpful! Yes, those big, expensive sheets of watercolor paper can be quite intimidating!

[@appleknocker56]

I thank you also as when cut just feel was struggling to chop through but this way (with very clean hands & table) can do it much easier & not get very uneven, strange size pieces!

[@grapetonenatches186]

I tried this method and the straight edge method with hot press. I prefer the straight edge tear because with the fold method used here small whinkles were produced along the torn edge. This does not happen with the straight edge tear method, and no folding. This is just fine if you haven't a straight edge. Thanks for the video.

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your comment. I haven’t tried tearing hot pressed watercolor paper, so thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@debrabartman6749]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your sweet comment!🎨

[@marcwheeler4406]

Thank you for your easy explanation of cutting down a single sheet, I bought a roll of arches precovid as I dont have any local art stores near me I'd forgotten about dimensions and you explained everything in a easy to follow way...many art blessings to you today....mikelle art mom...

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your kind comments - so glad you found my little demo helpful! Have a beautiful time painting.

[@cmeblu75]

This was amazingly helpful! So informative regarding paper/framing size, but best of all was your tip about painting and printing out on card stock. That was THE BEST suggestion Omgosh, can’t believe I didn’t think of that. I’ve been searching for ways to keep the cost of paper down and this was the answer. I’ll be buying sheets from now on. Thank you so much for this ❤️💙

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your kind comments Katherine! I am so glad you found this video helpful - have fun with your future painting projects!

[@fiddler1252]

Fabulous instruction, thanks! Most efficient sizes to fit standard mats and frames. :)

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your kind comments 🙏❤️ glad you found it helpful- it’s one of the things I wish I had known when I started painting! Would have saved me a lot of money!😂🤣🎨

[@elisiataylor]

Thank you! That was really helpful. I bought my first full sized sheets and didn't know which sizes to cut them down to 😅

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your nice comment Elysia - I'm happy my little demo on how to divide a full sheet of watercolor paper was helpful for you. Wishing you a wonderful, creative day!🎨

[@SharonH11100]

Good to know ~ one of these days I might have room ~ thank you!🙋🏼‍♀️

[@EvaNichols28]

Glad you found this helpful! I have been wanted to film this for a long time, because I find it's information every watercolorist should know. If space is an issue, you can also buy sheets that measure 16" x 20", and those can easily be divided into 4 pieces of 8" x 10". It's often more cost-effective to buy sheets instead of blocks or pads. Have a wonderful, creative weekend!

[@lizzy9975]

The trick is to just buy the sheet, divide it and mine fits into an A4 plastic folder.

[@EvaNichols28]

@@lizzy9975 Yes you definitely want to protect your watercolor paper from dirt and sticky fingers!

[@Psalm_27.4]

Very Helpful, Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much- so glad you found it helpful!

[@MoMaryR]

Very helpful, thank you

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much- glad you found my video helpful.

[@NicholeFraserSicNic]

Great video friend

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! ❤️

[@juliec.]

Very informative. Thank you:)👍👍

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. Glad you found it helpful Julie!

[@Eirenmist]

Thank you!

[@EvaNichols28]

You're welcome! I have been wanted to film this for a long time, because I find it's information every watercolorist should know. Have a wonderful, creative weekend!

[@nattyw495]

Very helpful watched three times....mikelle art mom

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much- glad you found it helpful! 🙏🎨 Happy painting!

[@trinaloucks3932]

How do you get rid of the Arches mark on the paper so it doesn't show up on your painting?

[@EvaNichols28]

Trina I don’t worry about that- I see it as a part of my art work, it’s barely visible, and just a sign that my paintings are painted on top-notch archival watercolor paper. If you want to get rid of it, you will have to trim off that part of your watercolor sheet, which is possible, but a shame, I think.

[@terryschmidt1206]

1/4sheet 11x15 ... 16 x20 frame?

[@EvaNichols28]

Yes with a standard window/opening of 11”x 14” - or you can also choose to have a custom 11” x 15” window cut, if that works better for your painting. Or, you can choose to “float “ your painting on a 16” x 20” mat, so the deckled edges of your painting show. I personally really like this look. Have fun experimenting to see what works best for your painting style.

[@terryschmidt1206]

My children really like the deckled look.

[@EvaNichols28]

❤

[@sandrajones3455]

I think this would be to hard to do with 300 lb paper.

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you so much for your comment Sandra. I actually paint mostly on 300 lbs. Arches watercolor paper, and fold and tear my paper just as shown in my demo. It is a little tougher, because the paper is so thick, and it's helpful if you have a straight-edged table, so you can use the edge of the table especially for the first fold. I live in a very dry climate, so my paper almost "breaks" when I fold it, so it's important to make sure you fold it straight, and in the right spot. I would suggest practicing on a smaller piece, before you tackle a full sheet. Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

[@sandrajones3455]

@Eva Nichols Art Thanks so much for letting me know that, I have an order coming in of 300 lb, so I'll try it.

[@EvaNichols28]

@@sandrajones3455 Let me know how it goes. Just take your time and make sure you have a clean surface, and no lotion on your hands. Good luck. 🎨🎨

[@sandrajones3455]

@@EvaNichols28 It worked great! I was surprised. Thank you.

[@EvaNichols28]

@@sandrajones3455 thank you so much for letting me know it worked well for you! Happy painting 🎨👏❤️