Marie Kelzer’s article “Paste Papers” is featured in the January/February 2016 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. See more of the story in this online extra.
Paste Papers are a form of decorative paper that can be created by dragging objects such as combs through a paint/paste mixture painted on the surface of paper. The paste in the paint mixture slows the drying time, creating the look of a multi-dimensional design. Past paper designs can be seen reproduced on wallpapers, carpets, linoleum, on fabric for tabletops, fashion clothing, or any number of paper products. Here are a couple of Marie’s fabric designs, pages from her sketchbook, and a quick mini-book project to try.
Paste Papers can be used in any number of ways. Marie created a simple, no-sew book with some of her papers.
No-sew book
1. Fold an 8½” x 11″ sheet of paste paper in half lengthwise. Open the paper and fold it the other way (horizontally).
2. With the paper still folded, fold each short end in to the middle fold. Cut the middle fold with scissors.
3. Open up the sheet and fold it in half lengthwise, with the painted side up. Holding each short end, push the ends toward the middle until it forms a book.
4. Fill the pages with collage or writing. If desired, add a label to the front.