dyed watercolor paper
I generally use paint on watercolor papers. However, I had so much dye left over when snow dyeing, that I couldn’t bear to put it all down the drain. Instead, I poured a lot into jars to create a pile of watercolor papers to use in future projects. Prior to putting dye onto the paper, and I’ve no idea if this is necessary, I first sponged on a bit of soda ash solution onto the paper. In the past, however, I’ve also used dye to paint on paper without soda ash. Once that paper was dry and I later wet it, nothing happened, such as the dye running in any way. If anyone is familiar with dyeing on paper, let me know if using soda ash on the paper is necessary. It may not be.
I decided to use some of the papers into a journal. This is a single signature book.
The inside front cover.
A fold out spread.
Another fold out spread.
The inside back.
I also put together another journal using multiple signatures of watercolor paper that I inkjet printed onto. I’ll get those pictures up tomorrow.
As an aside, another snow dyed piece of fabric.
February 6th, 2011 at 1:35 am
You pieces of dyed paper are very pretty, Gloria. I’d like to know the answer to your soda ash question, too. Some years ago I bought a scrapbook for people to sign at the 50th anniversary party we made for my parents. Between each page was a piece of fiber looking type paper. I tore them out and have saved them with the intention of dyeing them one day. I haven’t dyed any fabric in a very long time, though. I did not test them for content.
February 6th, 2011 at 3:34 am
These papers are so effective and unusual! Love the book made with them!
February 6th, 2011 at 5:58 am
Gorgeous papers Gloria and I love the journal.
February 6th, 2011 at 8:26 am
what weight watercolor paper?
What brand?
Which surface?
Have no idea about whether soda ash is needed.
February 6th, 2011 at 9:48 am
Hi Gloria,
Your papers are beautiful! In answer to your questions, no soda ash is needed with paper, so one less step…..
Happy dyeing!
February 6th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Carol, dye master, thank you for letting me know that no soda ash is required on paper! I appreciate it. You’ve saved me from having images of dye particles roaming around my house, mocking me because I didn’t use soda ash!
February 6th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Willa, I use Fabriano. I use 190 lb hot press and 190 cold pressed, depending on what I’m using it for. I also have student grade watercolor paper, which is heavier than regular drawing paper, but good for painting with dyes or paints for mixed media/journal work. I’ve even dyed on fine paper, but you need to be very careful or it will tear. But once it dries, it’s nice looking.
February 7th, 2011 at 4:59 am
These papers are mouth-watering.
February 7th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
When you say you dyed the paper, what exactly did you do? Did you sponge on the dyes? How did you make the patterns on the papers? I am not sure what you mean when you say you “dyed” the papers. Thanks!
February 7th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Maggi!
Leslie, When I was snow dyeing, a lot of the snow/dye melted on my work table. Rather than just mopping it up with a paper towel, I put a piece of watercolor paper onto it. Whatever pattern happened on the paper was a result of simply putting the paper onto it, letting the dye suck into the paper, and then letting it dry. It’s very simple to the point it seems like there is a step missing.
However, you can also sponge on the dye, or paint it on, or anything. It’s very easy and addictive. :)
February 8th, 2011 at 12:04 am
Gloria , when you poured the paints, which were left over from snow dyeing, into a jar w to save them did you sponge or paint these onto the papers? How long can you save the paints? Thanks once again. I am really intrigued.
February 8th, 2011 at 12:55 am
Leslie,
There were a couple things going on. One: A lot of dye drained from the snow into a plastic tub. I had the fabric on a wire rack sitting on a plastic tub so that when the snow melted, the water and extra dye went into the plastic container. That is what I poured into some jars, but they put the rest down the drain as it was so much (there is a lot of waste with snow dyeing).
Two: There was a lot of dye/snow on my work table. Thus, rather than using paper towels to clean up, I put water color paper down directly onto the dye and let the paper soak it up. That’s where the different colorations came from.
Regarding the dye in the jars, I am not sure how long it will last or what the quality will be when I use it again. In that case, I will sponge it onto the paper. I have some different weight watercolor paper that I’m going to use it on. I am sure that dye will not work on fabric; however, I’ve a feeling it will be fine on paper. At worst, it will be very light. But, so what. I can always then paint over it with acrylics. :)
This is all experimentation. There are no hard and fast rules. You just need to give it a try.
February 8th, 2011 at 10:19 am
Thank you! I will be experimenting this week. I live in Sun Valley, Idaho. We have snow for months, usually until sometime in May!
February 11th, 2011 at 1:10 am
I’m glad you all like! :) Susan, a workshop isn’t a bad idea. It could work very nicely as an online couple class thing.
June … not for sale, but maybe in the future. The Fabriano paper isn’t cheap, so I’m not sure if it’s price worthy.