The winner and Challenge #9

I thoroughly enjoyed both creating and viewing everyone’s comics/cartoons. We had a record 22 entries this week. *woot* And it was such a delight to see how each person interpreted their days through artful eyes. Kudos to each and every one of you!

The random number generator picked KRISSIE from "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oy! Oy! Oy!" as this week’s winner. Krissie email me your address and I’ll send you the cards.

Now to this week’s challenge … boy, do I have a treat for YOU. On Week#4′s, "Citrus", challenge participant CARLA TRUJILLIO created a paper casting of oranges as part of her finished work. I was enthralled. I’d always wanted to learn how to make paper castings and begged Carla to show me…US… how. Thanks SO much Carla. I canNOT wait to try this out!

Carla’s introduction as guest challenger:

My name is Carla Trujillo and I was graciously asked by Jen to guest-host a challenge. I was thrilled at the opportunity to share a technique with all of you. I am an artist from the greater Cincinnati area, whose artistic obsessions currently includes assemblages, art dolls, printmaking and mixed media art.

View more of Carla’s stunning work here: http://indiandollartworks.com/

Paper casting painted with gesso and ink

Weekly Challenge #9

 The Challenge: Create a paper casting using one or both of the methods described below.

Items You’ll Need: 

1. Blender or hand mixer to chop up paper
2. Baking sheet with edges to retain water
3. Strainer to pour paper pulp into
4. Bowl to place strainer in
5. Sponge to absorb water
6. Paper towels to absorb water
7. Molds (tin molds, cookie cutters, rubber stamps, images cut from
8. Styrofoam, or anything you can make an impression on (broaches, buttons, tiles, etc.)
9. Paper (junk mail, newspaper, tissue paper, etc.)
10. Paper pulp without blender – you can purchase dried paper casting pulp at a local craft store. Add water then swirl with your hand and strain. Pulp is chunkier without using the blender, but it works.
11. Acrylic paints, inks, chalks
12. Stiff bristle brush (stencil brush works well)
13. Gesso or white glue
14. Sandpaper (fine grit)

 

Paper casting with linoleum carved mold.

 Method 1: Basic Paper Casting

Tear paper into 1 inch square pieces. Place small handful in blender or bowl if using a hand mixer.
Add 3 – 4 cups water to blender or bowl and mix on high for 1 minute.
The pulp should have an oatmeal consistency. Blend more for a smoother cast.

Pour paper pulp into strainer over a bowl and drain slightly.
Place mold on a baking sheet before applying pulp to collect water.
With your hand, lift paper pulp out of strainer and place over mold.
Pat into place covering all surfaces.
Press sponge over paper pulp on the mold to absorb excess water.
Keep sponging until most of the water is absorbed.
Use paper towels after sponge to finish absorbing water and continue pressing paper into mold.
GENTLY lift paper casting out of mold and let dry. You can also leave paper casting in the mold until dry.
Place the paper casting in front of a fan to speed the drying time.

Method 2: Tissue Paper Casting on a Rubber Stamp

Place rubber stamp face up on a table.
Lay one sheet of (cheap) toilet paper on stamp.
Lightly spray with water to wet paper.
Use stiff brush to push paper into design.
Add 8-10 sheets of paper (one at a time and spray between layers). If needed, use paper towels to absorb excess water.
Allow to dry.

Finishes:

Sand edges and rough spots, if desired.

Gesso:
Seal paper with two coats.
Resand between coats.
After gesso dries, apply acrylics, if desired.

White Glue and Water mixture:
Seal paper with thin coat of white glue mixture: ½ water and ½ white glue.
Allow to dry (may use a blow drier).
Apply paints or inks, if desired.

Alternative ideas:

Mix dried flowers, spices, fibers, glitter and/or colors to paper pulp before applying to mold.

TIP: If you have problems with your paper casts releasing from the molds try spraying the molds with cooking spray or baby oil before applying the pulp.

Post’em: Post a link to your image  in the comments below before 12:00pm noon to be included in the draw. Don’t forget you can now post images using the flickr group for "Stretch".

Due:  Post by Friday, March 7, 2008.