DIY Network

Acrylic-Dipped Paper From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-117

advertisement

Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J Figure K

Janet Webley, creative director for Accent Products, shows how to create elegant-looking marbleized paper at home to rival the Italian marbleized paper you see in expensive gifts shops.

Materials:

For paper:
Large tray (photographer's tray or aluminum-foil baking pan)
Liquid starch
White bond paper, artist's watercolor paper (texture-free) or good stationery paper
Two to three bottles of Accent Country Colors® liquid acrylic paint
Plastic knife or fork
Paper towels
Plastic drop cloth

For covered accordion file:
Marbleized paper
Craft knife
Cutting mat
Accordion file from office-supply store
Aleene's Tacky Glue®
Stiff nylon-bristle brush
Small container of clean water
Waxed paper
Paper punch
Thin ribbon

Marbleized Paper

1. Slowly pour liquid starch into the tray to a depth of 1". As you pour, try to avoid creating bubbles, and lift the tray slightly at an angle. Use a plastic fork to break any surface bubbles.

2. Choose a primary color. Squeeze enough paint onto the surface of the starch so that as it spreads out, the surface is covered (figure A).
3. Crisscross the remaining color over the primary base color (figure B).

4. Drag a fork back and forth through the paint and starch, first horizontally, then vertically. The placement of the fork will determine the width of the pattern. Or create a free-form design if you prefer (figure C).

5. Curl the piece of paper and touch it down in the center of the tray onto the paint surface (figure D).

6. Slowly lower the two sides so the entire piece is sitting on the surface of the paint. Carefully check to make sure that there are no air bubbles underneath the paper. Press the paper down to disperse any bubbles (figure E).

7. Carefully peel up the paper and lay it face up on a plastic drop cloth. Often the first sheet isn't perfect and should be considered a practice piece (figure F).

8. Lay clean paper towels on the entire wet surface of the paper to blot up the excess moisture.

9. Remove the paper towels, and allow the paper to dry thoroughly. The average drying time is 4 hours, but the time depends on the air's temperature and humidity. After allowing the paper to dry for 30 minutes, you may move or hang it up to finish drying.

Accordion File

1. Place a piece of marbleized paper face down on a cutting mat or other safe cutting surface. Place your file on top of the paper and using a craft knife, trace around the edge of the file (figure G).

2. Set the file aside. Place the paper face down on a work surface covered with waxed paper. Generously apply Aleene's Tacky Glue to the back side of the paper.

3. Dip a stiff brush in clean water, and brush over the glue to thoroughly cover the entire surface with an even coating of glue.

4. Place the paper glue side down onto the file, matching the corners. Press down the paper to eliminate air bubbles. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp paper towel.

5. Repeat this process for the second side of the file.

6. Cut and apply a piece of marbleized paper to cover the exposed inside top edges (figure H).

7. Cut two narrow strips of marbleized paper, longer than the width of the file when it is opened, and glue one on each side (figure I).

8. Punch a hole in the center of the front and back top of the file with a paper punch. Thread a thin ribbon through the holes, and tie a bow (figure J).

You can also use marbleized paper to cover boxes, pencil holders and books (figure K).

RESOURCES :
Accent Country Colors liquid acrylic paint
Koh-I-Noor
Bloomsbury, NJ 08804-0068
Phone: 908-479-4124
Fax: 908-479-4285