How to Make Gorgeous Rusty Papers

Today I am going to show a technique for making rusty papers that is easy and inexpensive. These papers can then be used for journal pages, cardmaking, collage backgrounds, fodder, or other mixed media projects. I know rust isn’t for everyone but I am attracted to it so much as a kind of wild mark making that suggests something old and used by time and in this there are stories and mystery and I love it.

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Here are the materials you need to make rusty pages like this:
• Rubber gloves
• Something to protect your work space
• White vinegar
• Paper – heavy-ish. You can also use card or fabric and I will be showing this with fabric in a few days.
• Steel wool from the hardware or DIY store
• Optional: a mask

Soak your papers for an hour or longer in a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water. Make bundles of layers of vinegar-soaked papers and steel wool. Make sure the paper is wet then put something heavy over it and weight it down. Turn the bundle over every couple of hours.

You can also make rolled bundles and wrap them in cling wrap or other plastic bag. If you don’t have vinegar try tea or just plain water to see what effects you get.

Check for results after about five hours or leave longer. Overnight is good. Then take off the cling wrap and let the bundle air dry while still bundled. Unwrap. Remove steel wool and save for your next batch. Rinse well in cool water.

Iron your papers if you like. Use in journals or what-you-will!