Choosing the right type of wrapping paper is crucial for this technique to work. Look for contrast and a white background. On some wrapping papers the ink will not be removable at all.
Chop up your past experiments and make abstract tiles, circles or tabs. Choose full color book pages that likely won’t be used for something else and make some abstract pieces like the ones above.
No Sand Distress
This easy no sand distress technique uses two types of common items, wrapping paper and book pages. It is also applies a combination of craft techniques for creating unique designs to turn trash into treasure.
materials
What you’ll need:
Wrapping paper
Book pages
Embossing folders & die cutting/embossing machine
Wax candles
Iron
Parchment paper
Glue
50/50 alcohol water mixture
Scissors
Soft cloth
Double your book pages and glue for strength and use this as a base. Choose your wrapping paper. A design with enough contrast on a white background works best. A white backside is also important. Some inks will not dissolve with this mild solvent so experiment with different wrapping papers. Glue your wrapping paper to your base and allow to dry.
Choose your embossing folder and emboss your design.
Spray your paper or your cloth with 50/50 alcohol mixture and lightly rub over the embossed parts of your image to distress it. Some ink will lift immediately but by the third spray, the ink is usually pretty well dissolved and will lift easily. If your paper or base weakens due to moisture spray your cloth instead and distress the raised areas. When you have reached the desired level of distressing allow to dry completely. Try not to damage your paper too much.
Turn your iron on and press your paper until it is hot enough to melt your wax candle when rubbed over the white areas of your paper. Protect your iron with parchment paper. Apply wax by rubbing your candle on the hot paper until the book page begins to show through the white areas of your design. Stop when you have exposed all the book page you want to show. Allow to cool.
Apply a border if desired or use your unique distressed piece to create other items like tags or cards. If you want to write on the back of your design glue a suitable paper to the back.
Recycle your old unusable wrapping paper and book pages and create your own trash to treasure items.
Happy paper crafting!
