Monthly Question: What Materials do you use?
Question of the Month: July 2022
I use a combination of paper, dye, tape and thread to create each paper quilt. I am very specific about materials and have tested and tried MANY brands for almost 19 years. The early days of the pandemic allowed me also to retry many brands of paper, tape and thread as well because I struggled to get my original materials. I ended up switching in 2020 both my primary paper and thread brands due to this extra testing. These are my tried and tested materials:
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Archival tape on the back of a paper quilt.
Archival Tape by Lineco
This tape is technically a “document repair” tape, but I find that the lightweight nature of the tape allows for enough stick to hold paper together but not too much weight to limit stitching or make artwork stiff. Note: this is not good in water, so don’t tape paper down and submerge. It would probably be OK if you were to watercolor and want to paint over the side of paper not attached to the tape; I don’t use watercolor, though!
Stonehenge paper by Legion
I have used many printmaking papers, and some watercolors will work here too, but this is my current favorite. Any paper that will soak in water for long periods without breaking up is what I am looking for.
BFK Rives paper (by Arches) also works exceptionally well and is a little heavier. BFK is my go-to paper if I want to incorporate printmaking, such as linocuts and dye work together.
Selected Lizbeth threads used to create paper quilts.
Lizbeth Threads from Tatting Corner
These threads are my go-to because the thread stays “round.” I know that sounds unusual, but when you thread through anything (paper, wood, fabric), the threads remain wrapped around each other and do not flatten out as the thread unwraps. (This makes sense if you have worked with other brands that unwind, and then you have these flatter, wider sections of thread in the artwork, which changes the line quality of the stitching.) I purchase these through a variety of online retailers, but they don’t often sell this brand in the stores.
Art supply closet with Rit Dye options
Rit is the good old traditional dye for dyeing fabric, but I use this exclusively for my paper. I have for about 19 years now and have tried multiple versions of their products. I have used powder dyes in the past but now exclusively use liquid dyes (not synthetic). I never use the colors straight from the jar, although those colors are stunning, and I mix 2 to 3 colors to make my paper dye colors unique. One thing I would say is experiment, experiment, experiment. You can get the most surprising mixes with unexpected combos. This is not your traditional color theory mixing game. The color mixes here are unique. I usually purchase mine on Amazon here, or through Dick Blick art materials.
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