February 29, 2008, Newsletter Issue #237: Making Batik Paper

Tip of the Week

What is Batik? Batik is a method of dying by using removable wax. The Batik method is used for dying material, paper, etc.



Here is a recipe for making Batik paper, which can be used for your scrapbook pages. Instead of removable wax, we are using clear embossing powder.



You will need:



· Mulberry paper

· Clear embossing inkpad

· Clear embossing powder

· Watercolor tray

· Stamps

· Re-inkers

· Water

· Dry Iron

· Scrap paper

· Paint Brush



Directions for making your paper:



Use a bold stamp (solid image) and randomly stamp a piece of mulberry paper with clear embossing ink. Sprinkle the clear embossing powder all over your stamped images making sure to cover them completely. Use a heat tool to melt the powder. Next, spritz the mulberry paper with water. While the paper is wet, dip the paintbrush into diluted ink and spot it onto the paper in a pattern. The colors should run into each other creating a "tie-dye" effect. Then place the mulberry paper in between two clean pieces of scrap paper and use the hot iron on both sided of your "sandwiched" paper, this will remove the melted embossed areas which will adhere to your scrap paper and the heat will dry the mulberry paper to leave a wonderful "work of art."



Batik paper can add some pizzazz to your themed pages for kids or just offer a variety for all your scrapbook page creations.

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