In this first printmaking post, I want to show you various papers that I use to as the base to began making collage papers. As I mentioned in last week’s post, I have A LOT of books to choose from when I decide that I want to print. Many of them are more non-traditional printing backgrounds that (I think) make for more interesting collage papers.
In addition to friends and family donating countless books to me, I scour the local thrift and antique stores for many of my papers. This is the BEST source of cheap and funky papers to print. In each of the pictures below, I describe what the papers are and why they make a great base for printing.
Dictionary Pages
Some my absolute favorite papers to print are old dictionary pages. I do have criteria on the type of dictionary pages that I chose to print on. First, there has to be images. I am not particular about the images, I just want pictures to break up the text. Second, the quality of the paper is a big deal. The dictionaries that I find at the thrift are usually not that old and the paper can withstand wet paint layers. However, if you go to antique stores to hunt for papers, sometimes the paper can be too fragile from more vintage books. Another bonus of dictionaries is that you can purchase them for as little as $1. That is hundreds of sheets of paper for under $5. If you are lucky, you can find dictionaries in foreign languages, which make them even more unique.
Children’s Encyclopedia, Vintage Dressmaking and a Creepy How To Book Pages
I do not even know how to describe these books other than they are weird. Sometimes I find books that make no sense and that bit of entertainment is enough for me to explore printmaking. What makes the pages above great printing material, besides the images, is the weight of the paper. These pages are heavier than dictionary pages and make a great base for printing. And if you are using a larger plate when printing, the various sizes are a bonus because they can pick up paint on small spaces on your plate.
Antique Ledger, Receipt, Prescription and Library Card Pages
A friend of mine grandparents’ passed away and she invited over to their old farmhouse to go through an entire attic full of old papers. This provided me with enough paper for every collage I ever want to make and every class that I teach for the rest of my life. Some of my favorite things about found papers such as these, is the handwriting. I love using anything that was previously touched by hand enough to make a unique mark. However, paper like this can be fragile and I tend to use them after the plate has been printed on 3 or more times since the plate is much dryer.
More finds from the Attic including Antique Ledger, Receipts, Receipt Cards, Handwriting and Braille Papers
These are more finds from the Attic as well as antique and Dollar Store finds. I will also reclaim paper from past projects such as contemporary ledger paper or used calendars. Spending an hour in the Dollar Store can be a fountain of inspiration, especially is you are working on printmaking with young children. Handwriting paper is one of my favorite papers to include in collages since it brings an air of nostalgia to most adults.
Newspaper and Receipts from Your Travels
And finally, receipts, newspapers and other interesting papers that can be collected on your travels. When I travel to China, I hoard anything printed on paper that I can find! Chinese characters are some of my favorite to print on but also some of my most favorite collage items. The most interesting part of printing on newspaper or magazines is the ghost print (this will be explained later in this blog series). There is something in the ink on printed papers that is left behind that can transfer onto another print.
Are you ready to jump up and see what papers you can find to start your next printmaking project? Raid your recycling or bookshelf or better yet, carve out an hour and head to your local thrift or antique store and take yourself on an Artist Date. Once you start seeing all the possibilities, your printmaking paper options are endless!
What are some of your favorite printmaking papers? Do you like to reclaim paper or start on fresh, new papers?