Fabric Paper!

I created fabric paper today!! Have been wanting to give this technique a try for a while and discovered it was the Monthly Technique over on Art Techniques so I decided to give it a try today!!

Basically, you are using glue to adhere paper to fabric. Once you have the concept down you can go in so many directions that the sky is the limit as to what you end product is going to look like.

I decided to keep it simple for my first time. I dug into my fabric stash, discovered several medium sized scraps of bed sheet that I had left over from another project and decided to use that as my base. Next, I dug into my collage paper scraps and collected a few pieces - decorative paper, music sheet, book pages, paper napkins, white and coloured tissue paper and a few stamped images left over from previous projects. Rip all your papers into small pieces (2"x3" or so) before you start gluing as your fingers will get all goopy and make ripping paper challenging.

I used glue that DH was prepared to throw out because it had become too thick to use in the shop. You can use any PVA type glue you have. It needs to be watered down so add at least 1 to 1 water. I added more than that because my glue was very thick to begin with. It should be soupy.

Lay a piece of plastic that is larger than your largest fabric piece on your work surface. I used a garbage bag but you can use what you have. This will allow you to remove the fabric paper from the surface once it is dry. Lay your fabric piece down. I started with scraps but I would recommend a piece that is about 12"x12" or so. Smooth out your fabric and start brushing on the watered down glue until your fabric is completely saturated. Now, it is just a matter of laying pieces of paper over the fabric and ensuring it is also saturated with glue. Just keep adding glue as you need it. You can use your brush or your fingers to incorporate your pieces. Once you have covered every inch of fabric with at least one layer of paper the whole thing needs to be set aside to dry!! Fortunately, I have drying racks that I use for my handmade paper which worked ideally for this purpose and my fabric paper dried much more quickly that otherwise. Most people recommend leaving to dry at least overnight to make sure it is completely dry. Your fabric paper is ready to use once it is dry!!

I added stitching to my papers after they were dry. It helps to keep all the layers together and adds wonderful texture as well.

#1 - (top piece) I started by adding a layer of white tissue paper one little piece at a time and overlapping them as I went along. Added some small pieces of music sheet and book page over that. Added some decorative tissue paper, some paper table cloth, some maroon handmade paper and some gold plastic netting (onion bag) and then added some pieces of kraft tissue paper over that.

#2 - (middle piece) I started with a paper napkin ripped in pieces, added pieces of book page, maroon handmade paper, red tissue paper, decorative red tissue paper and kraft tissue paper pieces. Added stitching after it was dry.

#3 - (bottom piece) I started with a flower paper napkin ripped into pieces and added all sorts of flower images from other paper napkins and tissue paper then filled in the holes with ivory/gold paper tablecloth and yellow tissue paper. Added stitching when it was dry.

I am very happy with all the papers I made today!!!!!! Not sure exactly what I will make with them but I expect that at least one or two will end up in my cardmaking class next week!!

You can find instructions by simply doing an internet search for Fabric Paper instructions. Here are a couple of links you can use - CPS , Craft Test Dummies, for more info. Colour can be added during the creation process or afterwards. Stamping and embellishments can be added once it is dry.

This fabric paper is very sturdy so can be used for all sorts of projects - journal covers, collage, 3D projects, etc!!

Have fun!!

Therese