Collage Paper available from Janelle

Collage & Hand-dyed Paper by Janelle
Cozy Nest Designs * PO Box 219 * Rose Hill, KS 67133-0219
janelle@janellejohnson.com * www.janellejohnson.com * (316) 776-0440

The collage paper is a heavyweight parchment paper that is torn into odd shapes, then dyed and glued back together. The hand-dyed paper is the same paper, but it’s not torn.

The front side of the paper is a matte finish - which is suitable for colored pencil painting. The backside of the paper has a mix of glue and dye that is visible; the backside is not suitable for colored pencil.

The adhesive that holds the paper together is very lightweight; due to this, the collage paper is designed to be decoupaged to a surface. The Lineco Adhesive that adheres the paper to a wood surface is a permanent adhesive. If a section of paper separates prior to adhering it to a surface, glue it back down with a small amount of Lineco. Pencil paintings done on the papers can be matted and framed under glass by adhering the paper to a wood panel, such as 1/8 or 1/4" birch or cardboard color masonite. If a dark color masonite is used I recommend basing the masonite first with an acrylic.

The paper is humidity sensitive. If you live in a humid area and the paper is stored for a long period – lay it flat on top of a piece of plastic bag or plastic wrap. If you live in a dry area, the glue on the back of the paper may sound brittle. This is normal… The brittle sound will disappear when the paper is decoupaged to a surface, or framed under glass.

Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive

When adhering the paper to a surface I recommend using acid-free archival glue, such as the glue manufactured by Lineco. This white, neutral pH adhesive dries fast and clear. The adhesive is made of archival polyvinyl acetate (PVA). It should not become brittle with age, and adheres to most porous surfaces.

Using a sponge brush apply a coat of glue to the surface that the paper is to be adhered to.
Using a sponge brush apply a coat of glue to the backside of the paper.
Lay the paper on top of the surface and smooth the paper to the surface with your hands. I recommend having your hands inside plastic bags to prevent grime or lotion from transferring to the paper.
Allow overnight drying. Trim any excess paper from around the surface using an Exacto knife, no. 11 blade.

Krylon Workable Fixatif no. 1306

When the colored pencil painting is completed, spray with Krylon Workable Fixatif no. 1306. Several coats are needed to set the pencils to the paper. Spray on the picture from each side of the paper: left, right, top and bottom. Allow about 5-10 minutes between coats. As you spray, the fibers of the paper will begin to show. Do not panic! Allow the spray to dry overnight and sand the fibers off with extra fine grit (400) aluminum oxide sandpaper (This is wet & dry sandpaper, but use it dry!) Do not use regular sandpaper, it doesn’t work the same way.
You may then proceed to varnish with a waterbase varnish if it’s a functional surface.

Waterbase Varnish

If the object that you’ve penciled is on a functional surface I recommend varnishing. There are many great waterbase varnishes available. I like a varnish that has a matte or satin sheen.

Traditions Satin Varnish is a resin-based polyurethane varnish that provides a hard acrylic finish.

Apply the varnish in a slip-slap motion. This allows the varnish to flow down into the hills and valleys of the paper. Three coats of varnish will be sufficient; allow drying between coats.

My favorite varnish brush is Royal’s RG950, 1". It has a rounded tip.
Do not wash the brush with water between coats. Place the brush in a plastic Ziploc bag between coats. Wash the brush with shampoo when you are done varnishing

All of the supplies used are available through Janelle and many are on the website under supplies.