Use papers and flowers and steam to create beautiful colours and patterns. Learn how to make your very own sketchpad from start to finish. Texture, colour, pattern, nature alert!
What you need to steam your sketchbook:
Mixed bunch of papers. If you want a more organised look of sketchbook then use sheets of similar type and size but if you want a messy and organic look then go for a variety of types of papers (you probably have lots lying about your studio that haven't been touched in years).
Steamer
Flower petals, leaves and flower heads (any type but some transfer colour better than others)
String
Hole punch or something to create holes to stitch book together
Do you like journalling or want a 'wow-factor' sketchbook experiment to try out? Try making your own sketchbook and dye the pages with natural flower pigments at the same time by steaming.
Firstly, look at some of the results from the messy style of journal:
Step 1: Create the hand-made sketchbook
Gather your sheets together and place on top of each other, fold in half and create holes for string to go through. Thread the sheets together the best you can. We're not talking book shop standard here - just a creative way of journalling and making sketchbooks.
Step 2: Place the fresh leaves and flowers in between the different pages.
Step 3: Roll the journal up and tie with string (that you will cut off later)
Step 4: Place in or on top of the steamer (with hot water underneath in the pot!) and leave there for about 40 minutes, turning half-way. The more pages you have and the thicker the paper is, the longer the steaming time should be.
Step 5: Unroll the paper journal, cut the string and unroll to see the results. This is the best part: when you see that the natural colours and patterns have been transferred on to paper.
Further steps:
Flick off the flower petals and leaves, leave the sketchbook to dry and flatten by placing under books or placing a dish towel on top and steaming it flat with an iron.
Example number 2 (less messy and paper same size):
This home-made sketchbook was too big to roll up and to put in the steamer so I just laid it on top. It still worked!
Can you see the subtle hints of flowers in the following photos? Just beautiful!! I used coffee-stained paper first then steamed journal with flowers.
What to do with your steamed flower paper??
Use as sketchbook experiments to show development of ideas as you try different types of flowers.
Cut the papers from the steamed journal and use for future mixed media painting and sketchbook experiments.
Cut out the sheets, flatten and SELL as gift tags or as craft materials (for other artists to use) on platforms such as Etsy.
Use it as a normal sketchbook to draw or paint on top of.
If you have enjoyed this experiment I would love to see the results! Please take photos and tag @mixed_media_sketchbook on Instgram.
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