https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/super-simple-silk-paper • Posted by Delicate Stitches
There are lots of ways to make silk paper, this method is quick and easy and produces really beautiful results. You can add in feathers, threads and all sorts of beautiful things to make it more personal and really push this technique or you can keep it simple. I like to incorporate pieces of this into my embroidered work as it adds a beautiful texture and sheen. A little fibre goes a long way, 10g will do you several small sheets of paper.
There are lots of ways to make silk paper, this method is quick and easy and produces really beautiful results. You can add in feathers, threads and all sorts of beautiful things to make it more personal and really push this technique or you can keep it simple. I like to incorporate pieces of this into my embroidered work as it adds a beautiful texture and sheen. A little fibre goes a long way, 10g will do you several small sheets of paper.
When the silk moth caterpillar spins it's cocoon it coats its silk in a special glue like substance called sericin. For this project you need silk fibres that still have the glue on, they're usually sold as gummed silk fibres and feel rougher than de-gummed fibres.
On one of your sheets of baking parchment start teasing out and laying out the silk fibres in the shape you want your paper to be. The finer you can tease out the fibres the finer your paper will be. Make sure the fibres are overlapping. For thicker paper lots of fine layers are better than one thick layer.
If you want to you can add things like feathers, threads and other fibres. Make sure you put a few strands of gummed silk over the top of your additions to hold them in place.
When you're happy with your composition take it over to the ironing board (still on the baking parchment.) Spritz it with water, it needs to be damp but not soaking. The water re-activates the sericin to make the fibres stick together.
Put your second sheet of baking parchment over your dampened silk paper. Using a wool setting on your iron carefully press the work. Depending on how thick your paper is and how much water you spritzed it will take between a few seconds up to a couple of minutes for the fibres to bond together.
Carefully lift off the baking parchment. If you'r fibres are fully bonded you're done! If not, give them another press. If they feel very dry you may need to add a bit more water. Keep checking and pressing until the piece holds together and there are no loose fibres.
Admire your paper and then go and use it in your art or craft projects!