Paper Dyeing - an Explosion of Color

I'm in another one of those stages right now where I can't yet share any of current bead work, so I thought I'd share a little side project - dyeing paper.

Why dye paper?  Well, originally I used it in my design work.  Now, I mostly use it to wrap my Etsy packages.  But more than that, I dye paper because I love the chance to play with color in such a direct fashion.  Using the resulting papers for wrapping is a lovely way to use the papers so that I can dye more down the road without burrying my studio in the stuff.  :)

So, here we go:

I fold a dozen or so papers a day until my tray is full

My dye workspace mid process - even the cleanup paper towels end up pretty

I dye the folded papers one at a time and place them on my cafeteria tray

Then move them to plastic and open them up a little to dry - my studio is awash in plastic!

turns out there was a leak in one of my gloves. 

After scrubbing.  The dye really shows up the damage from my beading needle

Time to unfold the dried papers - I gather them in bundles first like streamers of color

I stack the unfolded papers to await ironing

Then it's time to iron each sheet of paper - one by one

the ironing makes the designs more visible

Stacking the dyed papers on my main work table

I had to roll one of the stacks because I love this cross section shot

some of the papers fanned out on my work table.  I dyed 102 sheet in total

My first Etsy package wrapped using my newly dyed papers -with one of my little cards

So there it is!  Several days and weeks worth of intermittent work in a series of fifteen photos.

Right now I wrap all of the items from each Etsy purchase up together as they fit better that way in the packing envelope.  But going into the holiday season, I will offer to wrap them individually, and include blank versions of my little gift cards (right now the cards are little thank you notes from me).

New Tutorial and a Vote

Concrete and resin cab ready for beading

Just finished up the last of three tutorials on my concrete and resin cabochons over on my website over at Skunk Hill Studio.  This one's on resin - specifically using epoxy resin as a topcoat.  I love the sense of physical depth and the vibrancy of colors that result. 

I'd given myself  an August 31st deadline.  Finished editing it yesterday.  Sigh!






 So, moving right along.  I'm now thinking of my next tutorial.  Should I cover:

Option 1: Dyed Papers

Folding and dyeing tissues papers for use in scrapbooking, paper collages, or as unique wrapping paper?

Or

Option 2: Loop and toggle clasp with right angle weave

Instructions for a loop and toggle clasp using right angle weave.  I work most of the stitching flat, then lace it over the forms to make everything much simpler.


If you have a preference, leave a comment and let me know.  My goal is to have the new instructions posted by October 1st.  We'll see how that goes.