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Adding wildflowers to the pulp mixture



I collected lots of buttercups from meadows around where I live.  The buttercups are blooming at this time of year.  The best time to collect them is in the afternoon when they do not have any moisture on them.  Also when it is a sunny day and has not been raining.


Buttercups added to the paper

The buttercups had been pressed between two baking sheets to allow the moisture to all be removed naturally.  Then I placed some heavy books onto them, wildflower books of course.  The process of pressing and drying them took around three weeks.  I found this to be the best way of preserving the colour.  After I finished the process and dried the paper, I found that the buttercups were not secure on the paper.  So next I added PVA glue (mod podge) to each flower and allowed that to dry.  The glue sets the flower and preserves the colour.  I think the effect is very pretty and more practical than the flowers falling off the finished paper.  I have tried adding an extra layer of pulp over the flowers, but found that this covers them and therefore their natural colour does not shine through.


Handmade paper displayed on mold and deckle

The art of papermaking is very mindful and I love the idea of trying out new things such as adding the glue at the end.  I also enjoy holding the paper to the light and seeing all the different pieces of shredded paper that are in the mix.


Holding paper to the light and seeing all the shredded paper





                                                                                  

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