Silk papermaking or silk fusion is a paper-mache
type technique for creating textured paper/fabric or 3d objects
using silk fibres combined with an adhesive medium such as paste
made from Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) or an acrylic based silk
paper medium.
The image right shows a detail of paper made using the silk
paper making technique and CMC paste. Layers of hand-dyed
silk hankies and a few lengths of loosely spun wool fibres were
placed onto a piece of nylon mesh. A second piece of nylon
mesh was placed on top to make a sandwich of fibres and the CMC
paste was sponged through the mesh to dampen the fibres all the
way through. When the adhesive had dried, the mesh was
carefully peeled away to reveal the silk paper. You will
note the glistening green edge of a silk hanky at the top of the
image.
You can find out more about this decorative technique by visiting our Fact File pages on
Felt Making, Spinning and Silk Fusion >