 |
| 2015 Dry Corn Husks |
In 2015 I had a fascination with dry corn husks. Found objects have a way of capturing my attention in ways that result in small stashes of things that I have yet to decide what to do with. A recent closet dive turned up a plastic bag of dry corn husks, none of which have a tint of green.  |
| More Dry Corn Husks 2015 |
My current interest is handmade paper. This morning I tore up a piece of an old cotton sheet. I will cut it up more with scissors, and then try my hand at pounding it to make a paper slurry. I have good pounding stones. It is the mortar that I need. I'm thinking an older microwave bowl is sturdy enough.
Then, I saw the photographs of the dry corn husks as I was searching for a photograph. Hm? Handmade paper and corn husks? A quick Internet search tells me dry corn husks are good for making paper!
If you are busy, then time can fly by faster. However, if you are engaged in creating art, when your art concentration spell lifts, it is amazing how time feels as if it stood still.
Now I wish I hadn't thrown the bag of dry corn husks in the compost bag.
As soon as you mentioned the corn husks I thought paper! We're in tune. Let us know how the cotton rag paper goes, too.
ReplyDeleteLiz,
ReplyDeleteThe old cotton sheet looks promising because it is so thin, worn already. I am going to cut and soak for a day or so. I will pound it when it is still damp.
Corn husks will require the tragedy of buying and eating fresh corn. What I do for art. lol
This sounds really interesting and I'll be interested in seeing the results. I've made paper before but using my blender (I had a blender I bought at a yard sale just for doing this -- it's murder on the blades if you are using your blender for food!). You're doing it the real way! I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteJeanie,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to have separate blender, pans and bowls for making crafts and art. I will keep an eye out at yard sales for a blender.
Pounding the fibers into slurry will be a some today, some tomorrow. I read that it takes a long time to pound fibers. I will probably end up with a rough textured paper.
You were really engrossed if it felt like time stood still. Love those times!
ReplyDeleteMarie,
ReplyDeleteIt is like hiking a clear path on a beautiful day. The sights fill every minute.
Wow-this is quite an endeavor! It will be so fun to use the paper that you make. I can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteDebra,
ReplyDeleteThe first soaking starts tomorrow.
Today was busy. I spent a good part of it searching for a story notebook. I found it at the first place I looked. It was under another project. lol
Happy paper making...we did it last summer with the kids and grandkids...out on the lawn...gorgeous, lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteWe added little petals for a splash of color.
p.s. we have rapeseed in the field... maybe next year we will have corn again.
Happy greetings and happy work for you.
Viola,
ReplyDeleteThat is a fun dummer thing to do.
The cutting the cotton takes so long that I am doing a small experimental batch of slurry. Junk mail is looking more attractive for making paper.
As this is a project I will honestly never undertake myself, I am very interested in seeing how yours turns out.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice,
ReplyDeleteI am sure on day one of the soaking, making handmade paper is more fun using junk mail. :)
Interesting to read about your making paper using an old sheet - looking forward to seeing some updates on that. And isn't it always the way - you just get rid of something and discover a use for it.
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
ReplyDeleteYes, needing something thrown away happens too often. There are a few things I refuse to part with. One is the little white bread closure thing.
Sounds creative.
ReplyDeleteWilliam,
ReplyDeleteCreative pursuits are near as good as physical exercise.