Recycled Projects - Tissue Paper

Recycled Projects - Tissue Paper

What do you do with the tissue paper that comes either with a gift or wrapped around an item of clothing - throw it out? reuse it to wrap something else? or use it in your creative projects? 

Well I thought I would show you a couple of great uses for them that involve a bit of creative thought and a mind to play, and are always going to produce really great results!

Firstly, the tissue paper can be used to create texture in your creations.  You apply glue to the surface and then add the tissue paper, once it is dry you can paint it in your color of choice, adding additional layers to your work.

Secondly you can use the tissue paper to clean your gelli plate once you have got all the prints off.  You can build up a number of layers of paint, then use the tissue paper in your work in that way to create a background.

What I have been finding really useful is using either shop brought stamps or making your own Handmade stamps and applying to the tissue paper you can create transparent layers to use within your art work.

selection of tissue paper that has been stamped

Here is one of the stamps that I created 

Here are some of the handmade stamps, check the link above to see how to make some of your own.  They are easy to make and you can get your own unique designs.

Once you have decided which design you want to use you cut it out and apply it to your art.

Here are a selection of stamped tissue paper that I used within some of my art journals.

Handmade stamp flower design

From the brought stamps I used quite a few bird designs

As well as butterfly wings

Once applied I painted them to the color of choice.

Wings and the word inspire was stamped onto the tissue paper

Armed with a few ideas, I am sure that you will look at tissue paper in a different way.  Try it for yourself and see what you can come up with.  You can reuse and recycle it, and create so many things, let me know what you decide to do, and share your images! 

Tutorial Tuesday - Handmade Stamps

Handmade Stamps

I shared with you on Saturday the Handmade stamps that I had made out of sleeping bag mattress foam, and here are some that I made,  It is really easy to create your own stamps and I hope you have as much fun as I did in coming up with your own creations.

Stamp collection made from foam

Get yourself a piece of the foam, this one is approximately 1.5 cm thick. Cut to the size that you require.

I cut mine 3x3 inches as this fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to stamp

Select tools that you are going to make marks, shapes and patterns with

Selection of tools to make marks on the foam

Look through some magazines, books, textiles or around your home for inspiration to create a pattern, I chose this heart paperweight.

Once you have chosen your pattern and shape, cut to size begin to mark the foam as required

Cut a piece of card that will act as the backing for the stamp, I covered the edges of mine with home made washi tape (will show you how I made these in a few weeks:)

Cut a piece a paper the same size as the cardboard and stamp your design onto it.  Stick this onto the back of the cardboard,It will act as a guide to the stamp.  

Stick your creation onto the other side of the cardboard, and let dry

Your stamp is ready to be used!

Do leave your comments and share with me what you decide to create!