Recycling and Papermaking

While surfing the internet a while back, I came across handmade papermaking using recycled paper.  I found it very interesting and though that it would be something I would enjoy doing and would also love to add to my artworks somehow.   

So a few months ago, I purchased a papermaking kit from Arnold Grummer.   I finally made some paper yesterday and it was just as I have imagined; a very enjoyable experience!   I was able to turn recycled paper into brand new sheets of paper; awesome!!!   I have a lot of paper that I have been saving just for this; I used newsprint paper which I have used to test some of my prints.  The newsprints had blue and pink water-based inks which are now part of the paper.   I have dried the paper by stacking them between newspaper sheets and heavy books.

My next art project is a paper collage and I will be using the new handmade paper and acrylic paint to create a landscape scene.   I am very excited about this new kit and plan to use it often; it feels very good to recycle and reuse!!!   I have documented below in pictures my very enjoyable papermaking process.  

What is needed

Recycled paper

 

Box from Arnold Grummer's Papermill kit

A blender

 

Recycled paper with 2 cups of water

I used the puree setting on the blender

Recycled paper reduced to pulp

Added the puld to the box

Removed the box from the water and the pictures below are the new sheet, before removing the water

The new sheet after the water has been removed (steps above).  Below, I have put the new paper under newspaper sheets and have added heavy books on top

Below are the pictures I took today of the somehow dry new paper.  I have put the newpaper sheets between two pieces of carboard and got a suprise:  I got some textures and color from the cardboad and newspaper sheets.  I should have known, but I really like it.

This was a lot of fun!

Chili Peppers mixed media print collection

Below is my Chili Peppers mixed media collection.    Already have another project in mind; it involves collage, stamping and sewing!  Stay tuned!

Red Chili peppers mixed media print on blue archival cardstock paper

Red Chili Peppers mixed media print on green art paper

Red Chili Peppers mixed media print on yellow archival cardstock paper



Colorful Chili Peppers mixed media print on green art paper



Red Hot Peppers...and other colors!

I love peppers and I decided to make some prints... of peppers!   I made those prints as mixed media; using linocuts and then enhancing the colors with watercolor pencils and paint.   It has been a fun process which I will explore more.   So far I have listed two prints in my Etsy shop and I will be listing some more, maybe four different color peppers in one print.  I am thinking note cards as well.   Until next time...

Two red hot peppers on yellow cardstock paper
Love it in this wood frame!



Yellow, orange and red peppers on printed art paper



The two prints in frames

My butterflies prints

I have added two new prints to my Etsy shop this week .   They are mixed media prints; I started with paper lithography for the banches and trees, then painted the butterflies with watercolor pencils.  Let me know what you think.

My studio (updated)

Finally!  I have cleaned up and rearranged my studio; took me about two weeks.   I am much happier with it; I found supplies I forgot I had and now have almost everything at its place.   I will be able to find things when I need them and not spend more time looking for my supplies instead of creating :).   I moved some shelves and was able to find room to store canvas and oversized boards.   I think taking down the door was my best idea; the door was taking a lot of room.   I will use drape to hide the content of the closet.  J   See the pictures below:

Moved shelves and found more space for canvas and boards

Easel space

Door off!  More space!!!

Everything in its place! 

Work table.  

Computer and printer area

Filing cabinet

Drawer.  Where I keep my finished work and some supplies

Finished paintings.