Having Fun with Paste Papers

Paste papers are a great way to create your own unique patterns and designs. This simple (and sometimes messy) technique involves adding acrylic paints to a paste base and manipulating them with a variety of tools to create a broad range of designs and patterns.

What are Paste Papers?

Paste papers are decorative papers that are created by applying colored paste to a base paper and then manipulating it with various tools. The paste acts as a medium for the paint, allowing you to create intricate patterns and designs. It's a versatile technique that can be used in various art forms, such as bookbinding, collage, and mixed media.

Getting Started

To get started with paste papers, you'll need a few basic materials:

• Acrylic paints in various colors

• Paste mixture (made from flour and water, yup, that's it. I use rice flour, but wheat or starch are also fine)

• Base paper (a reasonable quality paper, that will stand up to the paste, but not too thick if you're using it for book covers)

• Paintbrushes and a range of bought and/or found tools for manipulating the paint

Creating Unique Designs

One of the best things about paste papers is the endless possibilities for creating unique designs. Here are a few techniques you can try:

• Combing: a technique where you use a comb or a similar tool to create lines or waves in the paste. This can be done in a straight pattern or in a more random, organic way. Experiment with different comb sizes and patterns to create various effects.

• Spatula: drag a spatula (any size) across the page in different directions with different levels of pressure

• Circle: use a cap or any round object and press into the color, twist, turn or slide to create different techniques

• Stipple: use any tool or brush to stipple in the paste

Experiment and Have Fun!

The beauty of paste papers is that there are no rules. You can experiment with different colors, tools, and techniques to create your own unique designs. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or try something new – that's where the fun and creativity come in!

Once your paste papers are dry, you can use them in various art projects. They make beautiful backgrounds for collages, can be used as book covers, or even framed as standalone art pieces. When dry, you can press between boards using wax paper between each sheet.

Paste papers are a fantastic way to explore your creativity and create unique patterns and designs. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this technique offers endless possibilities for experimentation and fun. So grab your paints, mix up some paste, and let your imagination run wild!