Art/Craft Project
Silk Paper Making
The process of making silk paper is simple andrequires no special tools or equipment. Silk paper is made by simply laying silk fibres or Silk Tops between two pieces of Nylon Tulle and spraying the silk fibres with soap and water and then applying Fibre Fix or Textile Medium to fix the fibres together permanently. The result of this fusion of silk and medium is a sheet of shimmering silk paper.
Suitable for:
Upper Primary/Seconday Levels
Materials:
Silk Tops, Nylon Tulle, Textile Medium or Fibre Fix, Dishwashing Liquid, Plastic Sheeting, Glitter & Yarn
The Process of Silk Paper Making:
1. Cover the work area with plastic sheeting or newspaper.
2. Pour or squeeze dishwashing liquid into one spray bottle and add water to the dishwashing liquid. e.g. 50 ml dishwashing liquid to 200 ml water.
3. Pour 50 ml Textile Medium or Fibre Fix into one spray bottle and dilute this by half with water. e.g. 50ml Medium to 50 ml Water. (Note: Both of these solutions can be stored in the spray bottles for up to 2 weeks).
4. Start to work in the tray by laying flat one sheet of Nylon Tulle on to the base of the tray.
5. Begin to place Silk Tops on to the Tulle (this process is similar to preparing Wool Tops for felting). Holding the Silk Tops in one hand, gently pull away tufts of fibre using the other hand. (Note: Holding the Silk Tops approx. 20cm away from the other hand will allow the fibre to pull free from the end of the silk.)
6. Start to lay Silk Tops on the Tulle. Depending on the thickness you require, lay one or two layers of Silk Tops (perhaps placing one layer horizontally and the next one on top vertically to maximize fibre fusion).
7. Proceed to cover the Tulle, leaving at least a 3cm border around the edges. At this point you may add decorative elements such as glitter, yarn etc.
8. Place the second piece of Tulle on to the Silk Tops and spray the soapy mixture on the Tulle (which sandwiches the Silk Tops). Use your hands or sponge, brush or roller to work the soapy mixture into the Silk Tops. When you have wet the top layer turn the Tulle over and repeat on the opposite side. Using a foam roller or sponge, mop up any excess soapy mixture. Pour off any excess soapy mixture from the tray.
9. Spray the medium (half Fibre Fix and half water) on to the Tulle which sandwiches the Silk Tops. Repeat the process as perthe soapy mixture; apply to one side with a foam brush, roller or hands (if using hands please wear gloves). Apply the Fibre Fix medium quite liberally. This process will ensure all of the silk fibres are fused together.
10. Use a foam roller to remove any excess medium. The silk paper making process is now complete. To dry and finish the process, keep the Tulle in place and hang the wet silk on to a clothes rack or line to drain and dry. If drying inside, place newspaper under drying rack to collect any excess medium. When the silk paper is completely dry, carefully peel away the two layers of Tulle. Silk paper may be ironed on the silk setting if you require a flatter sheet.
© Copyright Zart Art 2009. Activity and teacher notes written and designed by Zart Education.
Key words: Art, craft, activity, activities, children, kids, school art activities, textiles, paper projects, paper making, silk tops
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