How to Make Paper Skins - Mixed Media Techniques

How to Make Paper Skins - Mixed Media Techniques, Episode 038 of Mixed Media Soul Sparks
This lesson demonstrates how to make your papers easier to handle, become translucent and unique ways to layer papers.
Shop my favorite products: www.amazon.com...
SUPPLIES
Assortment of rice papers, tissue paper and any other papers I you love
Golden Gloss Medium
Plastic sheet protector or a piece of plastic
Optional: UV spray or varnish to protect the papers from fading
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? ASK SANDRA BELOW! *
__________________________
WANT MORE? *
I have a broad range of online workshops available from $16 and up
Learn more here: www.sandradura...
__________________________
SHARE YOUR CREATIONS ON SOCIAL WITH THE HASHTAG #MIXEDMEDIASOULSPARKS AND I’LL SHARE ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS *
__________________________
JOIN THE CREATIVE AWAKENING COMMUNITY! *
/ creativeawakeningcommu...
__________________________
ARTISTIC MOTIVATION, TIPS AND GUIDANCE *
www.sandradura...
__________________________
SOCIAL LINKS *
INSTAGRAM: / sandraduranwilson
FACEBOOK: / awakeningyourcreativesoul
PINTEREST: / duranwilson

[@barbaracabrera207]

I've tried tissue paper, vellum, & napkins mostly. Also, the white inner layers of napkins. And the coolest one was cheese cloth. I added coffee to a few to make a kinda vintage color DIY faux rice paper. But you've added many more ideas to the mix. I am going to do some of my tissue paper gel print papers. I think they would be cool. And maybe some laces. I LOVE doing experimental techniques I often make up. And I love you do so many experimental techniques. Great channel!!!!! *** I LOVE you display artwork behind you during your videos. *** I ASSUME it's YOUR ARTWORK??? *** It's BEAUTIFUL!!! And VERY unique! I've been "BINGE WATCHING" your channel all day today. What a fun channel. And I LOVE learning new techniques. Like the iron-webbing! I will try that, too. TFS. Austin TX USA

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you for binging 😊. I teach in the Austin area sometimes. Pop over to my website, or sign up for my newsletter. And yes, the artwork is mine. Big hugs from Santa Fe.

[@dianecharest8365]

Thank you as always. Learn something every time I watch your channel. I LOVE thise 2 pieces behind you.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@dianecharest8365 thank you 😊

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@dianecharest8365 it is actually one piece, and you can see it on my website. It's called Where the River Meets the Sea.

[@sasondela]

Wonderful explanations and easy-to-follow directions for "how to." Thanks for showing the many techniques and processes for creating collages.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@@sasondela thanks for watching.

[@siempreseagull2]

What a great idea, doing it on page savers. When dry you can put the page protector in a notebook for later!!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Don't you just love it when great minds think alike!😀

[@stephaniemartel]

This is so interesting! Thanks for showing us, I need to watch it again!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

it's one of my favorites

[@GetOutandVote1]

Thank you for your great tutorial videos; they are very well done. I use these in my high school art classes.🤗💕

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Wow!!! Thank you. That makes me really happy.

[@МаринаМаришка-я6ю]

Это очень интересно и красиво! На этом канале можно провести весь мой выходной. Спасибо за ваши идеи и уроки💞

[@kerryklaassen]

I've made skins in the past, but they can be sticky and difficult to handle. This is a brilliant technique, and much easier to work with. Thank you so much!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You are so welcome 🙏

[@elisasaez368]

I had to come back and leave you a message. This idea you show here is just amazing!!! So creative and full of possibilities. I have lots of beautiful bit of papers I didn't want to throw and are so difficult to keep. Thank you so much for sharing this!!! Yes! there are days when you just want to take it easy and I know I will be making paper sinks now!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I am so glad you came back and shared, you made my day. I too have all these "precious " pieces and they really do find their way into the work.

[@pma613]

I love everything you create 🌱💛

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You made my day! Thank you 😊 💓

[@BlueZion9]

Thanks for the tutorial. Excellent work and presentation.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you.

[@sharonallredart]

Another wonderful way to add to mixed media. Wouldn't have thought of doing this with smaller pieces of paper. Thank you!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You are so welcome.

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Thank you!😊

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@@jeraldbaxter3532 you're welcome.

[@bythegraceofgod993]

Oh I like that technique. What an awesome way to build up some beautiful bookmarks.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

yes! If you are going to use as a bookmark coat the final piece with clear gesso so the acrylic won't stick to the book pages.

[@bythegraceofgod993]

@@SandraDuranWilson thank you. I will be making some using the clear gesso.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Wonderful. It is also fun to use recycled papers as well.

[@sandragryzinski2802]

@@SandraDuranWilson lovelly! Thanks!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@@sandragryzinski2802 you are welcome.

[@thalie9048]

Excellent!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thanks. This is one of my favorite techniques.

[@gabriellamilone6115]

Fantastico!grazie mille.Io faccio pelli di fluidpainting che poi rittaglio a piacere x fare dei mix su tela.Saluti dall Italia❤

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I love to do paint skins as well and I think you will find that these skins can add another layer to your paintings. I will be teaching in Italy in June. Ciao

[@gabriellamilone6115]

Ho già iniziato a creare pezzi come fai tu.Cn carta e stoffa...grazie e mille x la risposta e la condivisione.E buon soggiorno in Italia x il tuo lavoro😊

[@gabriellamilone6115]

Ho già iniziato a creare pezzi cn carta e stoffa.Grazie mille x la tua risposta e condivisione e buon soggiorno in Italia x il tuo lavoro😊

[@Mrsfarangnl]

This looks interesting and fun! It isn't clear to me, though, why you'd want to make the papers into 'skin' first. You can just apply them to your art the way they are? What's the difference? Curious...

[@SandraDuranWilson]

it's a good question and they are many reasons to make the skins first. 1. you can cut up smaller pieces and adhere once they are skins. 2. you can paint the back different colors. 3. the skins get air bubbles and these make for interesting textures. 4. very thin papers become easier to handle. 5. you can use the skins to put together a bundle. I think you might come up with a few more ideas as well.

[@wendystapleton5130]

Great video one of the most interesting and inspiring I have seen. Your warm commentary talks us into the realms of what is almost magic. Papers that are Cinderella's have life breathed into them and take on a princess sheen. LOVE this idea in these dark and odd times you made today special. Many many thanks. Can't wait for more ideas. AMAZING 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍❤

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Wendy your words made my heart smile. Thank you and enjoy the videos. Big hugs.

[@erickmanuel7852]

sorry to be off topic but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the login password. I would love any assistance you can give me

[@cadejose7770]

@Erick Manuel Instablaster :)

[@teresajordao6634]

Thank you so much for this useful vídeo!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You are welcome and thanks for watching.

[@elizabethclark4892]

You are so sweet. Thanking for sharing this with us. I am excited to get started.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

This is one of the most loved techniques. Have fun.

[@pimpamgarro4491]

No entiendo inglés, pero su video está 100 por ciento explicativo, lo voy a intentar, gracias BELLA

[@SandraDuranWilson]

me encanta cómo el arte puede trascender barreras

[@cindycreateforlife]

Awesome! Now I know what to do with the extra bottle of gloss medium I bought by mistake! What fun, all things happen for a reason!😁

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Synchronicity, love it.

[@susancarvey9063]

What is gloss medium? Didn't see in video! Is there a brand ? Is it like Liquitex acrylic medium? Or Mode Podge? Do you thin it down? Thank you!

[@barbaracabrera207]

This opens up a lot of ideas to do with fabric & paper!!! Thx Austin, TX USA

[@SandraDuranWilson]

yes, I am continuing to explore with fabrics and ribbons as well. Thanks for watching.

[@susanvanschuyver7900]

Very cool technique! Thanks for sharing.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You're welcome.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Sandra, I really really love ❤️ the results of this technique. And I found this really really fascinating too. I’ve subscribed and given you a thumbs up 👍 too. Please stay safe and well too

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you Mags. Enjoy and be well.

[@69Sugah]

I didn't know you could make "skins" with gel medium and using plastic. What a great idea. I'm guessing they can be incorporated onto an art Journaling page? You have given me another idea to keep handy for that something extra. Watching to see what you create next. Subscribed. Thanks for sharing.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

thank you for watching. I like to use them in my paintings, as collage, in book arts and sculptures. When using in book arts or journaling coat them with some clear gesso, wait a few minutes and then rub some off. This will keep the pieces from sticking together.

[@Weasel0539]

This looks great. Love to try this. Thank you

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You are very welcome and I would love to see what you make. Join our Creative Awakening Community on Facebook and share.

[@fatoomgierdien2181]

An informative and helpful video. Thank you.

[@jenniferlawson3847]

Can't wait to try this! What is in that little dropper bottle that you put on the open weave piece? It is a magenta/pinkish color.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

That is Golden Hi Flow magenta acrylic paint. Thanks for watching.

[@jenniferlawson3847]

@@SandraDuranWilson Thank you very much!

[@valeriepurcell5229]

This brilliant! I’d never heard of paper skins before!!!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You are going to have so much fun with this💖

[@ninaherrmann1816]

Hi Sandra. I'm a new subcriber and also relatively new to making art - been at it since may 2023. Your videos have inspired me so much and I have fallen in love with mixed media work😊 Thank you for being so generous and sharing all your great techniques. I noticed that the white flower paper skins were very stiff when dry. Did you use another type of medium on them other than gloss medium to makevthem stiff? All the best from Nina

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Nina I am so glad you found my videos and they are inspiring you to pursue your passion. The same gloss medium was used on all papers, but each paper may react differently. Thanks for watching.

[@ninaherrmann1816]

@@SandraDuranWilson Thank you for your answer😀🥀

[@lindagunter7811]

OMG love this!!!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you!

[@fatoomgierdien2181]

An interesting and innovative lesson

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you.

[@lorrainecooper266]

what a wonderful demonstration I feel excited to try it - thank you

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you for watching and join the Creative Awakening group to share your results.

[@donnadees7031]

i would suggest using a contrastin color to demonstrate your papers that are difficult to see on a background of similar color.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

thanks for the feedback.

[@soniasanchez4776]

Buen día. Me gustaria saber donde encuentro la traducción?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@@soniasanchez4776 your settings on KZbin may do an auto translate.

[@juneribbons5196]

Totally awesome. I love this and have saved it to be able to repete it myself !! The openweave one almost looks like Washington tape

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Wonderful. It is exciting to experiment with found papers, ribbons and fabrics as well.

[@susancarvey9063]

What brand is the gloss medium? Thank you!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I use Golden.

[@judyhyland499]

TY for showing this.Very interesting.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

you are welcome

[@bevmckay4680]

gee that looked great

[@SandraDuranWilson]

thanks for watching. Have fun experimenting.

[@mariakapatos9545]

How very inspiring thank you so much Wendy have to try this one.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You're welcome. Have fun.

[@bettyrodriguez7913]

Love your channel. Can you use parchment paper? A lot of people use deli paper. What's the difference? I want to color some paper and make skins. Thank you.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you for watching. The parchment paper won't hold the paint or medium. If you want to make paper skins try other papers like tissue paper or other thin papers.

[@padmagogoisathiapaul4527]

Inspiring ❤️❤️🔥👍

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you.

[@tishsmiddy71]

Thank you ☺️

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You are very welcome and thanks for watching.

[@blacksheeparts5083]

Great inspirational video. I'm attempting collage using some gellie plate prints so this will add so much texture and dimension to what I'm doing. Thanks. xB

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Wonderful

[@Olhamo]

I wonder... having done some papier and silk mache using quite a lot of white glue, I wonder if the white glue would be as good as the gloss medium?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I have done many experiments and the white glue will not make the papers as transparent. It will give them a different look, more matte than glossy. The issue with the glue is that over time it can turn yellow and crack. It can also rehydrate when putting other layers on top. With that said, it can have it's place with some uses. If you use white glue on top of papers and then add crackle, your crackle paste will adhere to the paper and the cracks will be larger.

[@hildedebreucker536]

Wow. very interesting. I still have 2 bottles golden polymer medium...i think i am going to use my ribbons i stored for ages..now u can use them. I live in belgium Have your book..

[@SandraDuranWilson]

What a wonderful idea to use your ribbons. I have a video coming up that uses up supplies that are about to go off and dry up. Make something beautiful instead of tossing it.

[@lyndacrossland8982]

Interesting technique ☺️

[@SandraDuranWilson]

thanks

[@kathleenstrode8445]

Interesting!!Thanks

[@SandraDuranWilson]

you are welcome

[@hildehanssongeitle9587]

So cool effekts you got from that technique . I will sure try it! 👍❤️

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I look forward to seeing how the results are. Are you part of the Awakening Creative Community?

[@hildehanssongeitle9587]

@@SandraDuranWilson Yes, l am. 👍😍

[@scrapfromtheheart4741]

I really like your creations! I also give style tutorials, nice to have someone else great in the field😊

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you and I am going to check yours out as well.

[@debmorris9648]

Have you tried used dryer sheets??? Loved your video and I thank you for sharing...

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Absolutely and I have a video on using dryer sheets. Thanks for watching and the dryer sheets work great for this technique.

[@AngelaJonesPoetryStoriesArt]

Awesome results

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you

[@leighcreates]

What a great idea, very clever, I'm going to give that a try. Can't wait to check out more of your videos, just subscribed to your channel. Take care

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you and have fun exploring.

[@sandragryzinski2802]

Yes! And I did it right now too! She is awesome! Thanks Sandra!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

So glad we have connected

[@jeaniekachoris8745]

Very interesting technique. I had difficulty when you would show results as they were not held up toward camera. Also did not connect before and after application.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I am sorry.

[@sueo.6731]

Love this - thank you!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You are welcome.

[@karenmaki4734]

Would mode podge work?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

It would, it just won't be as clear.

[@isabellesaussez]

So beautiful! Is gloss medium the same as polymer medium?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Yes it is.

[@isabellesaussez]

@@SandraDuranWilson thank you ❤️

[@cooperkabler]

I love the painting behind you. Is there or will be a tutorial for getting that effect?

[@cooperkabler]

Especially the side over your left shoulder. So pretty!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you and that is a great suggestion. There are so many layers and techniques involved in this piece, but maybe I will develop a class.

[@nansnook3920]

This is great!!! I think I like it more than making paint skins. I've never seen the paper that looks like fibrous material though, (the 1 u could put a botanical piece between) what is it???? Thanks

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I think it is much more fun and easier than paint skins too. The paper was one I found at an art supply store. I am always on the lookout for papers. This one is a rice paper or mulberry. Not sure. Here is a link for a great paper store online. www.mulberrypaperandmore.com/p-461-japanese-ogura-lace-paper-natural.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAiA5IL-BRAzEiwA0lcWYoQuz6DdFXPDSWEImUKJN-HwI6OGGGQ4N4HABGKkkVkKAMEYhedDcxoCSmwQAvD_BwE

[@nansnook3920]

@@SandraDuranWilson Thanks ever so much. I was just clicking thru & found ur video. I'm enjoying the others also.😊

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you.

[@pjp9383]

Where you layered fabric on top, you said it was an open weave paper. Do you think cheesecloth would work as the base?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

absolutely and ribbons are great as well

[@bonnie_nelms]

This looks like fun. The thing I’m wondering, though, is why make the skins instead of just collaging the papers directly onto the painting? Also, curious what substrate you’re using that is not buckling. Anything I’ve tried for collage...from note paper to cereal box to watercolor paper to mat board...anything paper based...ends up warping with the use of medium. I’ve tried gesso on the back and also used gel to reduce the liquidity but it didn’t make significant difference. So very frustrating.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

One of the reasons for making the skins is you can use less gel to adhere to paper. I find using gel as opposed to a more fluid medium can make a difference. I make the skins for various reasons. They can make very thin papers easier to handle in certain applications. I can create bundles of various papers and then peel them of the plastic and cut to shape. When I put the paper skins on the plastic and then peel them off I can then easily add other paints to the backside. When you are doing collage it is best to use a mixed media paper or a watercolor paper and use the gel. You may still get some warping but when the piece is dry I put it under boards and weight it with books. It sounds like you have tried a lot of things. Maybe use a heavier viscosity gel like regular or heavy. I also like to do my collages on Ampersand panels. I hope this all helps.

[@bonnie_nelms]

@@SandraDuranWilson thanks for your reply. I’ve only recently started collage as part of a collage/mail art group. I have been using soft gel vs gloss medium to cut down on the liquid but as I said, it hasn’t made big difference. If I were going to do collage for more substantial work than mail art, I would definitely use panels . Using paper takes way too much time dealing with associated problems!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

After the collage has dried try misting the back with a little water and then put a book on top to weight it for a couple of days. Also decoupage from DecoArt works well for thin paper.

[@janagifford8858]

Hi. I’m a new sub, and I’m very intrigued by these methods. I use gel medium on watercolors with no design, and then use it to create a barrier and texture to then create an acrylic painting. How do you use your papers you make? Do you use them as art on their own or use them in other ways? When I think of specialty papers, I think of using it for specialty pieces for letters, among other things.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I find lots of ways to use my papers in collage, books, weavings, sculptures, jewelry and I am always experimenting. I love the sound of your experimental nature as well.

[@janagifford8858]

@@SandraDuranWilson thank you. 🙂

[@gloriagiefer3013]

What is the drying time?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Depends on temp and humidity. Usually a few hours.

[@artistjanbeasley4264]

Can you add alcohol inks once it’s dried, or put it on top of alcohol inks? Thank you for this video I subscribe to your Channel tonight.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Yes you can. Remember that alcohol inks are not as color fast as acrylics. Thanks for subscribing.

[@ВераЖигунова-у6ч]

Можно сделать перевод

[@annmariegraham2699]

Wonderful idea! I noticed that one side seems to be more glossy than the other. Which side would you place down on your artwork and why?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

It depends. If the piece has texture I would want that to be up. If I am painting the glossy side and wish it to show the depth, then I would put the shiny painted side down. I will try them different ways depending on the piece I am working on.

[@Engelhafen]

Does Mod podge work for this?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

You need to match the weight of the paper to the medium so if you are gluing thin tissue or deli sheets, Modgepodge will work. Heavier papers work much better with gel.

[@Engelhafen]

@@SandraDuranWilson thank you

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@@Engelhafen you are welcome.

[@xiaofeibajie4158]

Does these papers turn yellow over time?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Not if you use an acrylic medium.

[@xiaofeibajie4158]

Ok… to glue these acrylic medium coated papers onto regular or textured papers, I also use acrylic medium as an adhesive?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@@xiaofeibajie4158 yes.

[@xiaofeibajie4158]

Gotcha. Thank u.

[@s.baxter3891]

I use matte medium on top of a piece of plastic and put down some leaves I had printed on my printer. Big mistake, they stuck and I can’t get them off the plastic at all. The ones I got off, peeled off the white backing on the paper. What did I do wrong? I think the piece of plastic I used wasn’t the same as what you used.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Some plastic will hold on to acrylic and it sounds like this is what happened. If you use HDPE plastic it will release the acrylic. I also use gloss medium as well. Plastic trash bags or plastic drop cloths are HDPE plastic. I hope this helps.

[@tgard5806]

Hi there. I'm very new to mixed media and get confused about all the different mediums, extenders etc. I'm trying to figure out which golden product you are using. Is it polymer medium (gloss) or is it color pouring medium gloss? The container of the later looks like the one you are using but I think I hear you calling it polymer medium. Both are not terribly expensive so I could get a container of each. I tried using soft gel medium gloss but those skins didn't work out like yours did. Thanks for the help.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

I am using Golden Gloss medium. They recently changed the name from Polymer Gloss medium and I forget sometimes and refer to it by the old name. The product is the same. It can be very confusing in the beginning. I have a sale this weekend on a class All About Acrylics you may find helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@tgard5806]

Thanks Sandra. That clears it up and I found it, under the old name, at Artists and Craftsman Supply. It's on the way! I'd sure like a class on mediums and I'll check out your offering.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@@tgard5806 the sale goes through Monday.

[@lindawatson1779]

What do you do with your finished project??

[@SandraDuranWilson]

They are used in many of my Mixed Media paintings. Check out my website Www.SandraDuranWilson.com

[@KathleenFarney]

It is hard to see your work when you lift it and cover work onthe table. Maybe viewer would engage more if you just lowered your ceiling lens to zoom from overhead? Just a thought. Thanks.

[@judyhyland499]

Neat.Made fishes one day like this.

[@SandraDuranWilson]

@@judyhyland499 i have made fishes too!

[@giulianablancato3529]

Subtitles.......

[@SandraDuranWilson]

you should be able to add them in KZbin to what language you prefer.

[@milenapimentel4820]

This is a beautiful work! Congratulations! Take a look at my channel and leave your coment, please. Thank you!

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Thank you for watching.

[@judycowan1566]

your work is beautiful, but you need to go into detail as to what you mean by gloss media… It’s hard to copy your technique one we do not even know what materials you are using

[@SandraDuranWilson]

Hi Judy Thanks for watching. The Golden gloss medium is the acrylic medium I am using. There are other brands you can use as well. As I say in the video I prefer the gloss because it keeps the colors crisp. Gloss medium is the basic building block of acrylic. Check out some of the other videos on acrylics.

[@judycowan1566]

@@SandraDuranWilson thank you so much!

[@JuicyHumanoid]

Wow thar's so cool! I like the varaiety of papers you have there. Is the 'gold webbing' paper an Amate?

[@SandraDuranWilson]

no it is more of a paper with threads through it. I have gotten it in both gold and silver.