An armature is the framework or skeleton used as the base when making models of figures or animals. A good starting point for a model is a scale sketch or marquette. Once the design has been established, the ‘skeleton’ can be added to a full size sketch. This will help determine the size of the armature […]
Tag Archives: Paper
16
Apr
Apr
Have a go at this satisfying and effective method of creating highly textured, handmade paper from fibres (the silk papermaking or silk fusion technique). Here are just a few examples of what you can achieve. These examples use silk fibres, skeleton leaves, strips of paper, and scrim. The technique, which is similar to paper-mache, can […]
17
Dec
Dec
How’s this for a great Christmas decoration idea? Our giant snowflakes have been designed and made by our resident artist Philippa Cousins from foamboard. What is it? Foamboard is made from a sheet of CFC free polystyrene sandwiched between two sheets of smooth acid free paper to form a strong, lightweight and rigid board with […]
02
Jul
Jul
With such a large range of materials available to artists it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. There is a huge choice of watercolour papers on offer and the artist will usually settle on a brand after some experimentation. The highest quality paper is made from 100% cotton. However a combination of cotton […]
25
Jan
Jan
Fibres derived from plants are also known as cellulose fibres (except for Soybean which is a protein fibre, see below). These cellulose fibres are used in spinning and papermaking (using both the traditional technique and the silk papermaking technique), 3d embroidery techniques and feltmaking when combined with wool fibres or worked with a felting needle. […]
23
Jan
Jan
These lovely cards have been hand crafted in coloured Lokta paper which is a medium weight, textured paper with a soft handle. The pale pink heart is cut-out from silk rag paper and the smaller hearts are made from silk paper made using hand-dyed silk fibres and CMC paste. Learn more about making silk paper […]
22
Jun
Jun
First prepare the screen by washing it with detergent and rinsing it to making sure it is thoroughly clean and soap free. Allow to dry. Use Masking Tape along the sides of the frame so that half the width of the tape overlaps onto the screen mesh and the other half runs the length of […]
13
Apr
Apr
This range of papermaking additives provides the serious handmade paper maker with professional materials for producing high quality and durable handmade paper. The additives can also be used by modellers for paper casting and papier mache. To add colour there are natural dyes, Deka L Direct dyes, Procion MX Fibre Reactive Dyes and pigments. Using […]
14
Mar
Mar
Paper yarn is remarkably strong and can be used for weaving mats, screens, and window blinds. The finer, more flexible paper yarns can also be knitted. The image above left, shows two samples of paper yarn. The sample on the left shows a corded yarn which means the paper has been twisted (or spun) to […]
25
Jan
Jan
The simple design for this handmade card can be used for Valentines Day or any other romantic occasion. Polymer clay is very lightweight when it is rolled out thinly and once baked it remains robust and durable. Step 1 Break off a lump of red clay and knead it until soft and flexible. Do the […]