So the first thing you need to do, is make some paste. If you're using the recipe here on my blog, you might want to double it.

Gather a few things to use as pattern-making tools so that you'll have them close when you're ready for them. You could use a comb, fork, bottle cap, bone folder, rubber stamp, sponge, hair pick, crumbled paper bag, potato masher, or anything that will make a pattern when pressed into the paste.


Once the paper is covered with paste, grab one of your tools and start making marks in the paste by dragging it over the paper, or pressing it like a stamp, to create whatever sort of design or pattern you like. You can criss cross lines in opposite directions, do zig zags, splotches, curvy lines...etc, whatever you can come up with.

Of course, I had to show my little boy what I was doing, so here he is at the other end of the table, doing his own paste paper. Although for him, it was really more like finger painting.
If you don't like what's happening on your paper, grab the paintbrush and brush it out and start over again! Or try just adding another design over top of the first one, moving in the opposite direction. You can also add other colours...but I have never really tried using multiple colours in a single design.
When you are finished making the patterns, leave your paper to dry. I often drape the sheets over doors or chairs. When it's dry, the paper will likely be quite stiff and curled up along the edges. I smooth it out with my hands then iron it, upsidedown, not too hot.

This is what my yellow paper looked like when I was finished - and then later it was used on the covers of this little hardcover book.

More papers...

More books...

So that's how to make paste paper. Basically. If you're really interested in mastering this, there are some books available. But before you go, check out some of these links to see some great examples:
- Madeleine Durham
- Papers by Sage Reynolds
- Papers by Peggy Skycraft
- Papers by BookGirl and Carol Norby
- Workshop samples from Paperchipmunk
8 comments:
My local book arts group will be having a paste making party this summer! I can't wait to try it out, it looks like so much fun!
Wow that's pretty!
Great tutorial. Thank you.
how do you adhere the paper you design to the coverboard? i'm new to this so i'm trying to learn it all
Wow... Great tutorial. I can't wait to try this method.
Amazing, thanks for sharing :)
Cicilia - Indonesia
Arches text wove (or Velin) is a preferred paper for paste paper. A high cotton content is good and makes a less stiff result. Wet both sides of the paper first, then add colors. As in painting, choose colors that go nicely and don't muddy up, and you can easily make multiple hues on one sheet...also add pearl or metallic paint to the water for a nice shimmer to final paper.
Thanks for those tips. I wrote this post before I really knew much about paste papers, actually. Since then I have learned more about it and certainly - wetting the paper before starting was the most amazing discovery after trying it with dry paper so many times!
Post a Comment