Handmade Journal Ideas Part 2: Burned Paper Art & Composition Tips
Have you ever tried burning through paper to create delicate effects in your collage work?
It might sound a bit unusual, but with the right tool - a pyrography iron- you can get some really lovely, layered textures. They work beautifully in a handmade journal, giving you little cut-outs and windows that let the background layers peek through.
In this lesson, I'm picking up where we left off in Part 1. I'll show you how I burn through gelli prints and other papers, and share a few tips along the way. I'll also show you how I use some of my favourite pens to add finishing touches that bring it all together.
If you sometimes struggle with composition, you might find some useful ideas as you watch the page come together. With a bit of patience and play, you'll see this technique is a simple way to add something really special to your collage pages!
If you're interested in seeing more, let's get started.
Watch the full video here:
Materials You'll Need
Art journal:
Can be a brand new journal or one you've already started
Collage papers:
This can be a combination of handmade papers and Gelli printed ones
Pyrography Tool (wood-burning iron)
Mount board:
Used as a backing to protect the pages below as you're burning
Transfer Leaf Shapes:
A bit like temporary tattoos for art
Bone Folder:
Used for smoothing or flattening edges or for pressing transfers
Uni-ball Signo Pen in gold
Posca Acrylic Paint Pen .7 mm in white
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Burning Leaf Designs in Paper
To get started, I place a piece of mount board underneath the page - this helps protect the layers below as I burn in my designs. I begin by tracing out a leaf shape with the pyrography tool, gently following the outline with the hot tip. The paper takes the heat quickly, so keep a light and steady touch. I turn the book as I go to give myself space.
PLEASE NOTE: Paint fumes can be harmful. Even with a thin layer of paint, you'll need plenty of fresh air. I recommend working outside if you can, or by an open window.
