Use your favourite Asian papers on the floor by laminating them to a sturdy canvas base. Choose a light to medium weight paper that will easily absorb the diluted PVA glue and adhere well to the canvas surface. For a free-form look, layer your papers into an interesting collage. For a more modern piece, create a tiled look using same-size squares. This version was inspired by Asian wall hangings that juxtapose and layer rectangular shaped. A wash of burnt umber paint was used to five the patina of age.
Materials
• 38" x 28" (97 cm x 71 cm) cotton canvas
• assortment of four decorative Asian papers for the background
• paper with a central motif (Sources for this include post cards, calendars, and greeting cards.)
• PVA glue
• acrylic primer
• burnt umber acrylic paint
• burnt umber artist's oil paint
• polyurethane varnish
• disposable sponge brushes
• roller
• scissors
• ruler or measuring tape
Step 1 Measure and cut a 38" x 28" (97 cm x 71 cm) piece of canvas. Use a roller to apply one coat of acrylic primer. Let dry.
Step 2 Plan the arrangement of your paper design. Cut out each shape and set aside. Thin PVA glue with water (one part glue to one part water) and adhere each sheet to the canvas, starting with the bottom layer. Use the palm of your hand to gently smooth out all the papers, starting in the center and working any air bubbles out and off the edges. Let dry thoroughly.
Step 3Dilute burnt umber acrylic with water and apply a wash to the papered canvas using a sponge brush. If the paint wash is too dark, you can use a paper towel to blot off any excess paint.
Step 4 Add a few drops burnt umber artist's oil paint to the polyurethane. Apply a thin coat to your papered mat using a sponge brush. Let dry completely. Lightly sand with fine sandpaper. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. Repeat to add a minimum of three coats, sanding between each, and applying the brush strokes of each layer in the opposite direction.
Excerpted from Paper House: Handmade Paper Crafts for your Home by Mary Ann Hall. Copyright 2001 by Mary Ann Hall. Excerpted with permission by Rockport Publishers Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
1 Comment
love this idea. i was wondering about trying this idea but making a folding screen.