Make Paste Paper Art Papers

[@TubeYouLena]

I’d add to the title of this video ‘Hello, new obsession’ because how one can watch this video and not immediately want to drop everything and obsessed with the paste, paints and mark making? I should start a new section in my Pinterest - for collecting methods existing for a long-long time. I had already been collecting fastening methods (in clothes, shoes, bookmaking (closures), etc.) from medieval times and now I will add paper arts there as well. I will try what you showed on my recent trashy invention - I glue together grocery store receipts and use them as my substrate for painted papers (painted with somewhat translucency). I will also try my giant bubble wrap I received in a parcel today (my mason jars were wrapped thoroughly in that). Stamping blank stamps into the paste paper sounds like a terrific idea as well. Thanks a lot for these tips!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Lena. Thanks for touching base with these ideas. Your supermarket receipts must be made of sturdier stuff than ours but I do like the idea of a patchwork substrate all the same. As for working new with old techniques, I read a LOT about manuscripts from the 1100s and on, at first for the history and stories, then more and more I started to see the how of the things - making the parchment and vellum, the ink, inventing print in the first place and these ideas started to seep into my making. Fasteners, eh? As a collector of vintage clothes, I am often asked how do you pinpoint the age of an outfit and a good deal of the time it comes down to the buttons, zips, and lack of same. 🌷🌻🌼

[@AmyBeeArtsy]

Fantastic and just what I needed!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why Amelia, that is what I like to hear. Thanks for dropping by!

[@melindareynolds7867]

Fun with paste! Thank you for the new techniques.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Melinda, it is my real pleasure. Thanks for touching base. I hope you make some great papers!

[@susansmithey5317]

When I go out for a walk a bit later I’m going to have to stop by the grocery store and get some corn starch. I’m looking forward to going down my own rabbit hole!!!😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Susan. A box of this stuff lasts forever. You will be good to go! Kelly

[@Chris-hp8yf]

I’ve found that the old ways of doing things are very often the best. By the way the orange tool with the castleated edge is a grout spreader. Paste papers. What fun it looks. I’m know I would find it satisfying and therapeutic. Your papers are lovely. Thank you for sharing. God bless you sweetie!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you for all of this, Chris. I appreciate your kind words and believe me, it means a lot. Grout spreader, eh? Now I can remember that and add it to my in-person workshops and sound all smart and stuff. 😺

[@Chris-hp8yf]

@@BookandPaperArts 🤓I don’t think you’ll need a grout spreader to sound smart!🤓

[@alexandraalmeida3661]

Those papers look gorgeous! I never tried anything like that, but I really like it 💚🩷💙❤️🤎🩶♥️🩵💜🧡💛

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Alexandra. It actually made me think of you, as the patterns sometimes look like your embroidery and slow stitching. 🌷🌷🌻🌻🌼🌼

[@megmiranda9480]

I've used cream of tarter, which is alum, as a mordant for eco printing. I bet you could use it for paste paper and it is available in the baking section of your grocery store. Meg

[@creativebeanart]

Awesome tip and very much cheaper than alum.

[@creativebeanart]

Oh, and apparently you can use salt or bicarbonate of soda as alternatives

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@creativebeanart Quite right! Thanks for reminding. 😺

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Meg, what a good idea. In the states I buy alum in the spice section of the supermarket and it is pretty cheap and lasts for a long time but maybe cream of tartar is cheaper, still. The funny thing is we don't have either of them here in Britain and I have to order it online!

[@Judymontel]

It IS????? I had no idea!! Here I've been wracking my mind trying to figure out where to get alum... thank you!!!

[@apple369]

I get such a giggle everytime you say "how much? I don't know. A little." because we're making art here not a precise science experiment! Paste papers are such a fun way to spend the afternoon and yours are beautiful. Thanks.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you so, Apple-y one. I kind of say that because in teaching these kinds of tutorials it is pretty normal to get near-hysterical questions about measurements. Example: Me - first tea dye your paper. Questions - how many tea bags? How much water? How long do I leave the tea bags in for? Me - Really? It's tea, just make some tea. So by saying "some, a little" I am hoping to head this off at the pass. This is a very forgiving technique, anyway. Thanks for checking in! Kelly

[@apple369]

@@BookandPaperArts Exactly! Get in there people and muck about. Have fun. It's just paper (and usually upcycled paper in my case). Thanks, Kelly. I adore your videos.

[@PatSimmons-g4r]

This is wonderful Kelly. Thank you for sharing.

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my real pleasure! 🌷🌷🌻🌻🌼🌼Kelly

[@MrsBednar]

Omg. I’m going down another rabbit hole! Kelly, thank you so much for these videos. I’ve been having so much fun. I’ll send you some more pics.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hey, hey, Margaret. I am really happy at this direction of exploring and making and I am hoping it will go on and on. (Currently I am reading a book about the history of the notebook and I am pretty sure it will lead to some good stuff to make and try.)

[@susansmithey5317]

Rabbit holes can be a good thing!! 🤣🥰

[@DDinFlorida]

This was soooo much fun to watch. Totally unexpected as to the resulting patterns from the various tools. I really loved the red one with the rubber stamp. It looked so 3-D. Plus this takes finger painting to a whole new level. What fun!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Finger painting! It really is. Thanks for touching base with your lovely message. Trust me, this technique is so addictive because you never know what is going to emerge, every single time. I hope you make some great papers! Kelly

[@shawnrobinson6718]

Yep I know what I'm doing this evening!! Whoa this video was FABULOUS!! Thank you!❤❤❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Shawn, that is what I like to hear! I hope you make gorgeous pages. Kelly

[@kellysweeney3842]

I love everything about this! I adore the technique, the potential for gazillions of unique designs and color combinations, and NO ONE ELSE on the planet will have exactly the same papers. In a world of big box copycat art supplies, uniqueness cannot be over-celebrated or overvalued. ❤❤❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for this, other Kelly. You have really hit on it and that's why I think that a little stack of these would make an amazing gift for anyone who makes stuff because you will have made it and no one else will have one like it. I also use mine for wrapping gifts. Thanks for touching base! Kelly

[@kristinev7671]

I look forward to being a delighted investigator/explorer of paste papers. Thank you, Kelly❣️

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Kristine. Welcome to the exploring. I have been at it for almost ten years and it never gets old. I sometimes use it in my altered board books, too, just painting on the boards and then pulling, combing, etc.

[@diane2941]

Oh my! What fun this will be. Thank you!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Diane, it is my real pleasure. I hope you make some gorgeous pages! Kelly

[@1958pobs]

I think string pulling between 2 papers would invite all sorts of patterns, will gi e it a go! Im not going to have time to do the house work, oh well never mind 😅

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Lynne. That string pulling is such a cool idea. And housework? What's that? 😺Kelly

[@ReversedImages1165]

When you look at the blue and green page after you ran your finger over the page with you finger you can see faces in the circles and it’s so beautiful to see that happen like magic

[@BookandPaperArts]

You know it is so hard to describe because in person the effect is even more dramatic. I have made these for years and I still gasp out loud when I hit on a good combination of colour and pull. I hope you make some gorgeous pages! Kelly

[@bette-annflood835]

@ReversedImages1165 I saw that too. But thought it was my imagination. I guess I have a good one then. Imagination that is. Wow. Imagine that. Lol

[@UlrikaAndersson-y4e]

Lovely, off to making right away

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi, Ulrika. I hope you made some gorgeous papers. Keep me posted. Kelly

[@RozWilloughby]

thanks for the reminder about this Kelly

[@BookandPaperArts]

Roz, it is my very real pleasure. I forget about it from time to time, myself but fall in love with it all over again every time.

[@Judymontel]

Uh-oh - I'm like the others... I suspect a new obsession coming here. Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Judy. Obsess away. It is inexpensive, versatile, fun, and not fattening. Let's go!

[@cailinsuiledonn]

I absolutely love the punk page & the green top page, I know I'm going to have fun 😊😊... so many ideas, so sure down a rabbit hole 😅😅

[@BookandPaperArts]

Punk page? Aren't they all punk pages? 😺Cailin, I hope you have a blast and make some gorgeous papers, punk and otherwise. Kelly

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Thank you!😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Gerald, it is my very real pleasure.

[@crystaldubson7722]

The dark green almost looks like leaves&this looks fun.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks, Crystal. It is a ton of fun. 😺

[@pdmullgirl]

Hi Kelly! Great video! I love this! So pretty and unique. And you are very good at instructing how to make a project. That’s refreshing. I’m definitely trying this. I made my paste from watching your previous video. And paper lace . Love that too! Enjoyed the video! ❤️💜💚

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for this lovely message, Paige. It really means a lot to me to hear this. I do love teaching and try to jam in there all the stuff I would ask about. I hope you make some great pages! Kelly

[@RenaMiller-u1v]

The hardware store is a treasure triove of art tools!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hardware stores and even office supply stores are like big old alternative art supply venues for me, except way cheaper. And fun.

[@cowgirljane3316]

I ❤❤❤❤ paper, paper, and more paper. I swear, I was a tree in another life.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Jane, this made me laugh so hard I almost spit out my tea. (Always keeping it classy.) PAPER!!!!

[@kellysalama7399]

I am so happy I found this, Thank you!

[@jennifersdoglife]

I appreciate your approach which is not a fussy perfectionist approach. Love this.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Jennifer. In real life I can be fussy but in teaching that isn't helpful. We all are at different places in making and jumping in and trying and learning from doing stuff wrong (sometimes) is the pleasure and the process. 🌷🌻🌼Kelly

[@tjsmith2748]

Lay a flat object maybe a leaf UNDER the paper, and swipe over. Gosh with all the options I’d have a room filled with papers. I want to do this but I would get carried away, don’t know what I’d do with them all. Got. To think of something other than a book or backing for another project. ❤️❤️❤️. Love this!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi TJ. I use mine for journal covers, to make mini-journals, and they also make cool gift wrap. It is very possible to get carried away and if that happens, as I said in the video, why not make a stack of papers and tie with some pretty ribbon and give to a friend who loves paper as a one-of-a-kind present? Hope this helps. Kelly

[@carrma57]

These are gorgeous. I think I’m going to try this with some corrugated cardboard. Thank you for sharing this 😊 🫶🇦🇺🦘

[@BookandPaperArts]

That is such a cool idea. I usually have a stash of that stuff in my work space. Great patterns and free art supplies!

[@nkoon2472]

Reminds me of finger paint

[@BookandPaperArts]

You nailed it - it is classy finger painting for grown ups. Nothing wrong with that. 😺😺

[@BunnyLang]

This is such a wonderful technique. Thank you.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Bunny. I hope you make some gorgeous papers! Kelly

[@ilakaiser3778]

This looks like so much fun. Thank you for sharing.💜🐞

[@BookandPaperArts]

Ila, it IS fun and inexpensive and gorgeous and not-fattening so - what are we waiting for? Kelly

[@patriciadistefano7467]

Wow! Such beautiful papers! I love how they look 3 D. Thanks for sharing.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Patricia, they really do have a 3D look and you can "see" all kinds of things in these pages. 🌷🌻🌼

[@priya-jeevithaaram9045]

A big heartiest Thank you for sharing such fabulous creativity...💛🌼

[@BookandPaperArts]

Priya, it is my real pleasure. Thanks for stopping by! Kelly

[@centibastelt2023]

Wow! I love the thin card line. It looks like these plants that grow under water. Thank you for all of the ideas!

[@BookandPaperArts]

You are so welcome, Centi. You are right about the resemblance to plants under water. You never know what you are going to get when you pull through the paste. Keep me posted on how it goes!

[@phyllisjeanfulton]

Delightfully beautiful work and I’m inspired ❤❤❤Love it all.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Phyllis Jean. This is what I like to hear. 🌷🌻🌼

[@annettedepete4314]

Wow this looks like fun, I love all these new things I am learning. Great video. TFS🌴💕

[@alicedowntherabbithole4]

Wow!! I absolutely love these! I have never seen this technique before. Looking for new ways of making "different" papers. Like others in the comments section - new obsession and "rabbit hole"! My profile isn't called "Alice Down The Rabbit Hole" for nothing! I am always falling down them. xx from rural north east England

[@BookandPaperArts]

I love your profile name although I am more of a Mad Hatter type myself, probably because I am hat mad.. Are you an actual Alice? I hope you make gorgeous papers. This technique never gets old and you'll just find more and more ways to use them. Kelly from Swansea

[@alicedowntherabbithole4]

@@BookandPaperArts I am actually called Denise, but my website and craft business is in the name of Alice, both for my grandmother and because I love Alice in Wonderland! My crafts are my "pre-retirement" plan. I am going through your excellent videos. Have a lovely weekend! xx

[@creativebeanart]

"shall we go mad?" 😂 Too late Kelly, we already are, but then the best people are 💜

[@BookandPaperArts]

"We're all mad here." As you say, my dear, it's too late to be otherwise. 😺Carry on!

[@heleneebenstein9120]

Kelly, your down to earth instructions and demos really make this a doable project. Not intimidating at all. We can all make fun, interesting paste papers and help carry on a wonderful tradition. Thanks so much.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Helene. I am really touched as teaching and cheerleading, preaching the gospel of boldness in our everyday making and creating means so much to me. 🌷🌻🌼 Happy making, my dear. Kelly

[@lynnboyd33]

Great lesson Kelly. I'm wondering can you use this same technique over plain fabrics, like muslin for example? Really loved your green stencil as well as the green ribbon pages! BRAVO, girl friend!

[@BookandPaperArts]

So. I haven't tried it on fabric but if I did I would definitely stiffen it or prime it first, possibly with a layer of the starch paste that has dried. The point is you need to have a lot of slip to make these patterns and a floppy fabric will be the opposite. At least I assume it will. 🤔

[@kathybost1879]

wow how interesting. thank you

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Kathy.

[@claudiasteinwald8952]

The 'thing' from the hardware store, is used for 'bondo'. When you repair dents or rust spots on metal.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Claudia, thanks for this. I'm afraid my actual DIY knowledge is pathetic so I really appreciate the cheatsheet notes. 😺

[@conniehintz5959]

These are gorgeous 😂 thank you I will try this but probably not till winter I live in Michigan thanks

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Connie. This is ideal for winter when we are staying in and need some colour in our lives. Happy making! Kelly

[@nkoon2472]

Looks like it would be good for finger painting

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is just like grown up finger painting! Happy making. 🌷🌷

[@heikesiegl2640]

I tried this today. Its pretty creamy, you can really play with layers and scratching! Didn't know about the allum trick. It would be cool to see the difference And yes, lumps are not a big deal. They get squished anyway

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Heike, it's fun, no? Almost like finger painting that we did as kids.

[@heikesiegl2640]

​@@BookandPaperArts its great! Next time i will experiment more with sticking papers together

[@kristinev7671]

Update edit: Impatience led me to try Nori (brand) paste mixed with acrylic craft paint and water, spread thinly on copy/typing paper. Drying time was a few hours, as expected, with good results. I am going to try cornstarch/corn flower next. Thanks again Kelly ❤️

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for the update, Kristine. Comparing notes helps me with the teaching and knowing what people want to ask about and know about. I have read about Yes glue but haven't tried it. Interesting. 🌷🌻🌼

[@samcollage7682]

​. Yes paint turns yellow and isn't acid free in spite of the claim on the bottle.

[@carrma57]

That thing from the hardware store is for tile adhesive when laying tiles. I use one in textured art. 😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hey, thanks for this, Carrma. Now I'll be able to ask for it when I need a new one. 😺

[@petergordon4456]

Hiya just to let you know thatsome wall paper paste has a fungicide in it & some people have allergies when using it . Hope ya well thanks for showing nice work from sunny Scotland Peter xx😮

[@BookandPaperArts]

Oh, goodness, Peter. Thanks for the heads up. I'll pay attention to this when I teach this in my in-person workshops. Kelly

[@DCarey]

I love these papers! Can’t wait to try it! One question: would I use matte medium to adhere these papers if used in a collage?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Yup. That would be the way to go. I have done this many times and gel medium works fine, as does pva and glue sticks. Once dry the paper is very forgiving.

[@RenaMiller-u1v]

Presto! It’s gorgeous !

[@lynnboyd33]

Haven't finished watching all of this this great vid yet Kelly, but wondering where can I find mordant?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Lynn. I am using alum and in the states you can buy it in the spice section of a supermarket or box store. It is used for pickling and that is where it is usually stocked. Here in the UK I have to buy it online. Hope this helps.

[@bette-annflood835]

Kind of like fingerpaints

[@BookandPaperArts]

Bette-Ann, that makes me smile because it is exactly like fingerpainting, down to the getting in there and getting messy part. Happy making!

[@theagraceful]

Have you tried this on fabric? Might be fun to stitch 😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Thea. I kind of doubt it as the paste would be absorbed in the fibres before they could be combed and pulled, although if the cloth was stiffened with some starch or something it might work. I could be wrong, though. Give it a try!

[@shawnrobinson6718]

So 1st of all I'm in love w this video!! Cnt WAIT to do it. I had a question though would I be able to fold these in 1/2 for example like a cover on a signature? Enjoy your day, love fm Michigan ❤❤❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Shawn. You bet you can. You can fold them for a cover or glue them to a cover. You can also fold them for a signature which is good because you have decoration on one side and blank space on the other for writing or sketching. Happy making!

[@armandaberlin2156]

How long does it take to dry them?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Amanda. It depends on a lot of factors but overall I would say it may take longer than you think compared with, say, watercolour. This layer of paste can be pretty thick on some of these techniques (such as with the stencils) and I would let them dry for four hours or more, but I live in cold climate. Hope this helps!

[@Christine-uq6sw]

Does the paste crack and flake off when the paper is folded? Years ago I had that happen to some paste papers I made. I look forward to trying out your process.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Christine. I have papers and book covers I made almost ten years ago that are pristine. Perhaps you need a heavier paste to paint ratio? Or maybe there was too much paste for the paper to absorb? Try it again and take heart and keep me posted! 😺Kelly

[@aidareka277]

PRELJEPO🎉❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

🌷🌷🌻🌻🌼🌼

[@RenaMiller-u1v]

Just add color and do some unique mark.making.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Exactly. It is like old-timey finger painting for grownups!

[@KarinaStaalArt]

Can you use it on canvas?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Karina. I haven't tried it but I suspect that if you prime the canvas it should give you enough slip to move the paste around. Let me know how it works! Kelly

[@jenniglenn7428]

Has anyone tried Q-tips?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Interesting and why not? A soft tip on a kind of stylus to draw and make marks with. Anyone else?

[@brindabellabella2354]

Alum not available at chemist or stores here. Wld need to go online.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Brinda. I live in Swansea and have the same problem. I order mine on Ebay. It isn't very expensive and it lasts forever but I also do a lot of ink and dye making. Go ahead and try it without the alum to begin - you can still get lots of drama and fun. Kelly

[@christinewrightington7098]

Finger painting!

[@BookandPaperArts]

You nailed it, Christine. It is finger painting for grown ups and about time. 😺😺

[@RenaMiller-u1v]

The hardware store is a treasure triove of art tools!