I’ve been thinking about layers again. I want to make a layered piece but I need to experiment with combinations. I’ve been meaning to have a go at making paper by squirting paper pulp. I used an old Nurofen syringe, but had to make the hole a bit bigger because the pulp kept on clogging it. I used a hot skewer to make it bigger, but while I had the lighter I decided to burn some holes in some of the mulberry paper I’ve been using to make book cloth.

I like the effect of the burnt edges. In the last two images they resemble coastlines, the last one similar to the Thames Estuary.

I made a mould out of some stretcher bars and some mesh, wrapped some thread around it and then squirted on the paper pulp. Removing it from the mould when it was dry was satisfying.

Video removing paper from mould

I took whatever images were close to hand to see how layering might look using some bits of cork as temporary spacers.

It was a really interesting exercise. I find myself drawn more towards the burnt paper than the thread and paper pulp. Maybe I need to try the paper pulp on different images, but my initial thought is that I don’t like the combination with the thread, although the thread does allow it to be suspended, rather than lying flat. I think that I much prefer it when I made the paper with the thread embroidery in a whole sheet. The paper pulp might look better without the thread, with the thread incorporated into a different layer.

I think that I’ll just start making the piece and experiment and make decisions in the moment.