The designs in my collections are made by a process known as paste paper. One of the earliest forms of decorating paper, paste paper dates back to the late sixteenth century when it was widely used by bookbinders in Europe for endpapers and bookcovers. The process has changed little and remains simple. A paste is cooked, colored with paint and brushed onto wet paper. While the paper is still wet designs are made using a variety of tools. The tools used to create designs are limited only by one’s imagination and range from paintbrushes and combs to handmade carved rollers to flea market finds and kitchen gadgets.
Making paste paper is always exciting as it offers me never-ending opportunities to explore both color and design. My designs are often inspired by primitive art, ornamental motifs and the patterns, textures and colors found in nature.
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Just as the tools used to make paste-paper are limitless so are the uses of the finished designs. Many of my patterns are sold or licensed for commercial use as surface design on a variety of products such as apparel and decorative fabrics, bed and bath linens, home furnishings, packaging, paper products, textiles and wall coverings. In addition, I use my paste paper to make one-of-a-kind two and three-dimensional art pieces such as books, boxes, wall pieces and sculptural art, which are sold through prestigious national juried craft shows.
No matter how my designs are used, for surface design or as 2D and 3D art, my paste paper always brings joy and beauty into my world. I hope it will bring joy and beauty into yours.
Photo: Jane Phillips
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