How to make watercolor paper towels as artwork overlays

In these times when everything is so expensive, isn't it nice to know that your art supplies don't have to be? Follow these easy steps and you can see a whole new world for your artwork. Once you have some sheets to work with you can try this method of overlaying single sheet of paper towel on your artwork and achieve a depth of color that no ordinary tissue paper can do. You can express a mood to you work that can be subtle to bold all with just a few sheets that are overlayed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cheap paper towels that do not have a pattern printed on them
• Water color paints
• Water container
• Variety of paint brushes
• Table salt
• spray bottle
• Rubbing alchohal

1. 
   Simple tools

   With these supplies and a little imagination you can make a tie-dyed look on the paper towels with a little folding and dipping the edges of into the watercolor paints. First, I put a small amount of water into a glass custard cup then decide what type of paint color I want to use first for the base layer. I would suggest to use a light color first that way your overlay doesn't become muddy. Mix the paint into the cup and begin to fold your paper towel.

2. 
   Folding methods

   This is the fun part, do you remember doing tie-dye as a child and all the ways that you could fold that t-shirt? Well, the same principal applies here some of the examples in the picture is what I tried and they come out wonderful! A hint that I would like to mention is, if you want a subtle tone to your paper towel, put the layers of paint on when the first layer is still wet then if you want a more muddy look keep doing that same thing until you achieve the darkness that you want. If you want a more tie-dyed look to your towel, wait in between each dipping of color for it to dry completely then go on to the next color.

3. 
   Variety of color

   This is only a small example of what you can achieve with these samples. Explore different times for dryness, folds, or try manipulating the color with table salt or rubbing alcohol for a starburst effect. The possibilities are endless.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like to try the salt method of tie-dye paper towels. After the last dipping of the color has been placed onto the towel lightly sprinkle table salt onto the piece and wait until the towel is completely dried and see the starburst become more pronounced as it dries.
• If you want to try the rubbing alcohol method, after the last dipping of color is on the paper towel, lightly spray alcohol onto the towel and then see the color shift as the towel dries.
• After you use these utensils for this project please, do not use the utensils for eating since there is paint involved.

[Pixie1976]

on 6/22/2008 So true, sometimes people tend to think that art suppilies have to be expensive,but creativity has nothing to do with how much you spend.

[smidgen]

on 4/17/2008 Thanks so much! I personally think that the old ways should not be forgotten so that is one reason why I write.

[AbbyNormal]

on 4/16/2008 That would be "daughter".

[AbbyNormal]

on 4/16/2008 We used to do this with white tissue paper when my daugter was a wee one. Then she would use these for any gifts that needed to be wrapped and tell the person that she made the wrapping paper. Thanks for the article. It is wonderful!