Transforming Vintage Paper
What can you do with vintage papers?
So much. Even one old book can provide you with hours of creativity as you practice different techniques to alter and use the papers.
Use techniques like tea or coffee staining and rust dyeing to change the color of the papers
Remove some of the text using sandpaper
Paint over the papers using aycrlic paint using either a brayer or brush
Experiment to see if any of your stash will work for image transfers on the gelli plate
Old postcards can be turned into new works of art by selectively integrating the existing image with new papers or stitching
Create mail art or art journal kits for your friends and family with a selection of vintage and painted papers
With India ink, pencil or pen, draw lines over the text to obscure the words
Remove the margins from the papers and use them to add white space to your collages
Cut out numbers, images and words to keep in a separate container to use later in your work
Scan the vintage paper and try some digital collage or print the images if you don’t want to use the originals
Incorporate the sturdier papers into a bound book
Found poetry: cut out words and phrases and use them to create your own poems
Strong vintage papers can be used as a substrate for marbling
Try different types of inks and paints with the papers on the gelli plate
Treat them casually and use them for experiments such as watercolor or mark making with natural brushes
Carve your own stamps and use them on the papers where you want to cover some of the words
Cut the papers into thin strips for paper weaving
Cyanotype print onto the papers
Tear the papers for textured additions to your work
Place the papers on interesting surfaces and use wax crayons or charcoal for paper rubbings
Create a neutral work of art using only vintage paper in various tones and textures