Our deliciously delectable December box of goodies from The Stitchbook Collective is all about experimenting with mulberry paper – a technique known as Joomchi.
Helen has sent us some sheets of paper in a variety of colours and has devised a cunningly clever way of felting them together in various ways to produce a fabulous textured surface that can then be stitched.
These are the pieces I have created – before adding any stitching
the one top left is much more see-through held against the light
I haven’t been able to completely wrench myself away from rust dyeing
and found some more goodies in the hardware shop to play with.
This piece of felted paper seemed to go really well with the rust and red wine dyed cotton curtain lining
I discovered that the wet paper can be moulded over textured objects to add surface interest.
This one was moulded over the top of the radiator and looks at home on this piece rust dyed calico
I added some simulated rust staining to the green paper by painting with Koh-i-noor inks.
Just a few stitches to hold it all together and I have this month’s page of the Stitchbook done.
There is more to explore with this technique so I have just ordered some more mulberry paper from Calder Art Supplies in Huddersfield.
I might try rust dyeing the paper when it comes ……..
Lovely colourful designs. Fascinatng! I was wondering why you had not posted anything for a while and discovered that you have dropped off my followed list. Can’t think why so that is why I am re-following you!
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Glad to have you back!
Every time I have an update something strange happens – at the moment, I don’t seem to be able to ‘like’ on some blogs. I think it is Safari (my server) messing about.
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Oh my this is all so beautiful! And the hardware! genius! I love the colors too.
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Thank you for your comment Eliz. It is such fun to do.
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I love the idea of staining with rusty keys – some of my favourite objects!
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The results are so unpredictable – I love that.
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Love this, and I can tell you’re enjoying it too 🙂
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Yes, I love the unpredicatability of it. 🙂
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love this. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the post Dawn.
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This is such a grand monthly exercise, and by writing about it more more of us are also inspired. Thank you!
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So glad Del. 🙂
I really am thoroughly enjoying this 12 month course.
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Fabulously creative as always
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Thank you Karina. 🙂
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Oh, fun! I especially like the purple one.
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Thank you Laurie. I’m looking forward to some other colours arriving in the post soon.
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Oooh, oooh! Can you mould the paper over really 3D stuff? Like scissors, buttons, beads, etc?
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OOOOOOOooooooooo!
I will have a go!
😉 🙂
Love, love, love your input!
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Loving the chance to offer suggestions in a craft I’ll never have the time or energy to take up myself. I just saw what you’d already done, and it made me think of the cool stuff you can do with papier mâché. I love the idea of something as delicate as paper forming 3D shapes like that.
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It is fun swapping ideas across the world isn’t it! I love crafty chats. It really is one of the best things about blogging. I have just got some new supplies and when life calms down a bit I will try some moulding. So glad you are enjoying sharing your ideas Kate. xxxx
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Your experiments look really exciting. Can you add anything to your samples or do you stick to the plan given? My favourite is the purple and gold with the steel washer imprints but they are all fabulous, love the stitching you have added. The rust colour would be good for rocks could you mould the paper over some peoples for a sea scene? How about a bit of splattering with Schmincke Rich gold, bronze or silver to give some sparkle? It comes in powder form and you mix with water. I buy it from the SAA. Looking forward to seeing more.
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Thank you for your realy helpful comment Caroline. I am sorry it has taken so long to appear – it got stuck in Spam.
We can add anything we like to our samples.
I have not heard of Schmincke Rich Gold etc before, I will look out for it.
What is the SAA?
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Gorgeous, gorgeous colours! I wonder if you could stitch your finished paper pieces to fine gauze or muslin to make one off privacy curtains? Imagine the light filtering through those colours and shapes created.
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What a great idea Deb!
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Ooh, you managed to get a rusty key to transfer its shape. If you could find one, how about a rusty padlock to go with it. Padlocks have quite a nice flat surface if you use one without a keyhole cover. Would that work?
I like this month’s page – the radiator grille worked really well.
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Thank you Lynn. Good idea – will be on the look out for a padlock.
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Looks like you had a lot of fun. I am saving my box till after Christmas, for that lull in life till the New Year. Look forward to seeing your future experiments! I especially like the see through piece.
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It is wonderful to be introduced to the new set of techniques and materials, yes I did have fun! I’m looking forward to having some bigger sheets of paper to play with.
I am saving the colour dyeing from last month’s box til after Christmas – I know I need to be organised for that one – not something that comes naturally. 🙂 🙂
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Once I had figured out how to organise the dyeing I really enjoyed that. It was a question of how to prevent spillages, then to minimise any damage if there was a spill, and finally how to get all the pieces done, given insufficient fabric and solutions. Lots of thinking required! This new box seems to involve lots of splashing with water play.
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Yes, I think I will have to have loads of pieces of fabric lined up for the dyeing because I will want to use up every last drop. First clear a space – that’s my biggest challenge!
I’m not so bothered about making a mess. 🙂
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