Project Description
This is a great autumn project! I created a piece of jewelry from a a handmade paper casting. I used Arnold Grummer’s paper casting strainer, maple leaf mold, cotton linter squares, and copper sprinkles.
Following the directions in the linter package, I used four linter squares—enough to cover the mold. I blended the linter squares with three cups of water, added a teaspoon of sprinkles, and gave the pulp mix one more quick whir in the blender.
Next, I strained the pulp into the casting strainer, pressed out some of the excess water, and plopped the casting pulp onto the mold. After I had pressed the pulp into all areas of the mold, I used a sponge to press out the excess water. Then, I carefully took the casting out of the mold and set it on a flat surface to air dry. Drying took about a day.
I used scissors to cut the leaf shape out of the paper casting. I painted the top of the leaf with PPA from USArtQuest. I used a generous amount, but not so much that the paper revertered to pulp. While the adhesive was still wet I covered the leaf with USArtQuest Gold Dust Mica flakes. When the leaf was dry, I added a coiled bead made from 34 gauge brass wire and wrapped the leaf with 24 gauge brass wire. I attached a pin back to the reverse side of the lead.
I love the way the copper sprinkles add just the right amount of depth through the gold mica dust. I’m going to enjoy wearing this special piece of jewelry this fall.
I really like Arnold Grummer's papermaking tools and info and have made lots of paper with it – some of which I have made into jewelry. Making a casting is a really interesting idea for jewelry. The gold mica really adds a nice amount of sparkle!