Tutorial- tissue impression

Instructions: How to make a tissue impression embellishment

Supplies: spray bottle  cutting matte  Napkin Podge   rubber stamp
                     tissue             wire rack       acrylic paint     mounting block

1. Fold:  Fold 1 tissue in half and place it on your work surface. (You have 2 layers)
2. Moisten: Mist the tissue with water until completely moistened (2-3 sprays) Add another folded tissue on top of the wet one and spray it. (You now have 4 layers)

 

3. Assemble the Stack: Fold the tissue stack in half. (You have 8 layers)  If you need a bigger stamping surface, don't fold the tissues. Alternate layering and spraying 8 tissues.

4. Compress: Use a clear mounting block to gently press the wet tissue together until they become bonded. If you don't have a clear mounting block, use a plastic box lid or CD case for pressing. The tissue should lay flat with only small creases visible and resemble handmade paper with a subtle texture. Be careful not to over-flatten the wet tissue as it needs to remain spongy so that you can press the stamped image into it. Carefully remove the pressing tool from the wet tissue. (Don't worry! if the top layer tears. If it becomes too damaged you can remove it and still have plenty of layers left.)

5. Stamp: The surface is now ready for the image. Select a stamp design with a simple shape. It should be something solid with few tiny details. Next, press your stamp into the moistened tissue stack. Firm pressure is needed to get a deep crisp image. Stamp repeatedly until you fill the moistened tissue with as many impressions as you need.

 

6. Apply Product: While the impression is damp, cover the tissue impression with Napkin Podge. I found the best tool to spread the Napkin Podge was to simply use my finger. It will take about 24 hours to dry completely but I helped mine dry faster by placing it above the radiator on a baker's wire rack.

 

7. Cut & Color: Tissue is easily trimmed with scissors so that simple shapes can be cut out instead of framed. Acrylic paint can be applied to color your impression to match your project.

TIP: If the rubber stamped image is not deep enough to be visible you may have...
1.) chosen a stamp with too much detail or
2.) not pressed firmly enough into the wet tissue with the stamp or
3.) compressed the wet tissue too firmly in step 4 so simply start again and
      build a new wet tissue stack.