Distressed paper fabric: trying a new mixed media technique inspired by Shelley Rhodes

I try out a technique inspired by Shelley Rhodes to distress paper by sewing it and rubbing parts away to create a paper- fabric mesh.

The book I mention:

Contents of this video:
00.00: Intro
00:11: Fragmentation and Repair by Shelley Rhodes
01:35: Painted kitchen papers
02:20: Procion dyed papers
03:25: Setting up machine for sewing kitchen paper
04:30: Sewing paper on the sewing machine
06:44: The finished sewn grid
07:08: Wetting the paper and rubbing areas away
09:34: Distressed paper mesh once dry
10:14: Outro

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[LedgerAndLace]

LOVE this! Can I just say how I appreciate you giving credit to the original artist? So refreshing! I often see a video and there is no mention of who created the technique or where it was learned, as if the presenter invented it out of thin air.

[patriciastreufert]

Update! I tried this technique with the paper towel. It took me an hour to find the pretty towel I knew I had somewhere in my art hoard. Took another hour to sew and rub the paper away. It turned out beautifully. Now I have 6 more paper towels soaked with coffee drying to make more. Love this idea. Thanks so much.

[oldhaggys]

That is brilliant! I just went to bed, but immediately want to hop up again and go try it! I'm thinking 🤔 might work to do the rubbing with a stiffer paintbrush ... but it looks so cool!!! Thank you for sharing!!

[doreenhedtke]

Oh, when I think of all the beautiful paper towel scraps I've thrown away!

[PeaceCreek]

I love this! It blurs the lines between paper and fabric.

[lisastevens]

Love this project! Thank you for sharing.
My husband and I also make tie dyes. If you have powdered dyes you can wet the paper and sprinkle the powder on it and the colors will split.

[mafish]

Very interesting! I must admit to having the urge to rub the “net” together when it was dry to see if anymore would come off? Tfs, Laura ❤

[maramakesjournals]

Golly, that is very cool! I love how you promoted that book. It is a nice thing to do; to give credit where credit is due. I’m going to try that technique tomorrow! I promise myself. 💕

[mariach]

That was a really interesting technique and the result so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing 😊

[jeanieferretti]

Dirty hands are a sign of loads of fun!! ❤

[RainbowLane]

This is lovely! Thanks for the book suggestion as well. It’s great seeing you bring the idea alive from the pages of a book, makes it feel doable. Thank you.

[lynnboyd]

Rose, every one of these pieces that you dyed were lovely! And once sewn and "picked" apart, they were so intriguing! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial!

[conniehubbell]

THAT WAS AMAZING AND INSPIRING. ID LOVE TO TRY THIS ON PAINTINGS, USING ACTYLIC SPRAY PANTS OVER THE COMPLETED WORK ON TO A CANVAS!

[donnamorina]

This is wonderful! Thank you for sharing your find. I can see so many ideas around this technique. Have to get the book too!

[LynneWilliams]

I am so pleased that your video appeared in my feed. I recall years ago taking a class where the background was soluable and you layered various yarns/ribbons and then sewed a pattern or grid with your machine. When the background dissolved it was gorgeous and great for stunning scarfs, etc. I am looking forward to using this in my mixed media. Thank you for this lovely idea.

[lizday]

Oooo. Texture heaven! Thanks for sharing!

[LivingInFullEssence]

Love this technique. It looks like gossamer paper. Thank you so much.

[StonedustandStardust]

I have a sewing machine, but would prefer stitching by hand. Bigger Grid! Great video, thanks will try. Also subscribed!

[cindyfromsydney]

Very interesting. Thank you and I’ll be buying that book!

[grogers]

Reminds me of an abandoned industrial building or perhaps a green house. Very cool. I’m wondering about sewing another type of design. Swirling pattern over a straight line pattern. Hmm… 😊