Arnold Grummer's Papermaking - Christmas In July

Is it too soon to give any thoughts to Christmas?  When days are hot and steamy why not!  Actually I have been into a couple of craft stores in the area and "holiday" items are already on display.

It was time to play around and experiment again.  Going through the casting molds and other things items to use as deckles for shapes, I found a Wilton cookie mold and some plaster molds.

 Here is a snowflake casting, using the Wilton cookie mold and cotton linter squares.  I used enough of the squares that would cover the size of the mold and processed them in a blender as suggested for making pulp.  I included  "Iridescent Flakes" into the pulp before making the casting.  Once the snowflake casting was dry, I used some glitter glue to add dimension on some of the raised lines on the casting.  I small hole is punched and a narrow ribbon hanger is added.   Just for a few ideas, the snowflakes would make a nice additon to a Christmas tree or could be used as decorations in a sway over a doorway or along a mantle edge.  NOTE: I created over 100 of these snowflakes several years ago as a favor at a friends "winter wedding".  I had brushed the raised areas with white glue and sprinkled them with iridescent glitter.  A decorative, silver ornament hanger was attached.  Each was packaged in a cellophane bag along with some artifical snow, with gift tag attached from the bride and groom.

These two package tags were created with recycling thin, kraft colored packing paper pulp.  Process the pulp in a blender and strain.  Press the pulp into molds of choice.  I used two molds that are meant for plaster casting.  Remove as much water with sponges or rags.  Allow the casting to dry. NOTE:  I help the drying process along by placing the  pieces on a microwave safe surface and use 30 secong intervals to dry pieces. Use this method to dry slightly and then leave overnight to dry completely.  

Once the pieces are dry, they can be painted if desired or embellished in any way.  Use a purchased tag or die-cut a tag shape.  Add a strip of torn holiday fabric and glue the casting onto the surface.  Add a ribbon or cord for attaching the tag to a package.

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