Arnold Grummer's Design Team Blog

We are fast approaching February and the season of love. Why not should your love with a card made from hand made paper? Grab those red  and pink papers from the recycle bin or add red tissue paper to your slurry to create a beautiful paper. I used my Pour Handmold to create both a pink and red paper. To create the heart, I made paper pulp which I squeezed through a strainer to remove most of the water. I pressed the pulp into cookie cutters and removed as much water as possible using the sponge and wood block from my Papermaking Kit. These can be dried either in a low over (250 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes) or air dried. Once, dry, I painted the heart red. I stamped the sentiment and inked the edges of the card and the pink papers. I added a Skeleton Leaf and twine to the heart embellishment. Isn't this prettier than a store bought card? I think so. Thank you for visiting today. If you need any paper making supplies please stop by the Arnold Grummer's  we...

The gifts have been opened. Maybe even put away or being used. Now is the time to get the pen and paper out to write thank you notes! Instead of just writing them, why not also make them!! Grab that recycle bin including Christmas wrapping paper and a Hand Pourmold! Before you know it, you have pieces of paper for cards! For this card I chose a premade card base. Here is a tip for creating the torn edge look - using a paintbrush, paint a line of water. Once it is soaked through, gently pull apart.    I stamped the piece of handmade paper with a metallic paint.  I also used a printed deli type paper and nesting dies to created the sentiment medallion. I painted  one of the hand made paper layers and around the edges of the smallest medallion.  I think it looks so elegant!  And here is the card - So much prettier than a store bought one! This is a fun project for those children who are home for ...

Up until a year or so ago, I had no idea what an Artist Trading Card was. Do you know? These 2.5". x 3 .5" cards are miniature works of art which are shared around the world. Artists create, trade and swap them. Some swaps have themes such as this one sponsored by Grumbacher Offical  Fan Page . The theme for the current swap is Space. Each artist can interpret the theme any way they wish - paint, draw, mixed media, etc. The paper I used was made with this  Pour Handmold I started by applying a layer of gesso. I was not sure what paints I would be using and this would provide a better surface to work on.  Now for the fun!! I started with a layer of darks and then added various gold and metallics.  Just keep playing until you get the effect you want. I cut a star and the ribbon tails from another piece of paper. I painted them gold and added doodling. I finished the ATC  with a quote.  I love how this turned out and ho...

It is that time of year to send greetings to family and friends, both near and far. What better way to do that with a card made from handmade paper!! Grab your bin of recycled paper including junk mail and envelopes and make paper! I used my Pour Handmold to make white and blue papers.  The blue paper was my card base. I tore strips of the white paper making snow banks. Ink the edges before adhering. I drew my snowmen and added color using Watercolor Brushes. Some simple sentiments and my cards are done!  Aren't these cute! Perfect for weather heading to Michigan soon (we had a take of it last weekend).  I hope you enjoyed my cards. Please be sure to visit the store  where you can find all the supplies needed for paper making and also this calendar which makes a wonderful gift!  Visit us on Facebook for more inspiration and to share your projects with us!!

For those who may not have heard the news ----- I am going to be a grandmother!!!! We are just a little bit excited. My daughter is expecting her first in April and it is a girl! I wanted to share the news and knew the perfect thing to use to make a card. This B aby Feet Casting Mold  was the perfect accent. And I had Tri fold cards with a window to showcase the casting! I started with Cotton Linter Squares  and a pink sheet from the Tissue Tints Once I had my slurry, I pressed it into the mold and removed excess water. I allowed it to air dry.   To use the Tri Fold card, mount the casting in the window and secure the inside panel to finish. Now it is time to decorate the front of the card. Flowers, lace and ribbon were the perfect finishing touches!  Aren't those baby feet so cute? Did you know there are over 6 pages of casting molds in the store! I am sure there is one that will fit your needs! If you are also thinking about...

I recently learned about Etegami postcards which is a Japanese tradition of simple painting on a rice paper postcard. I loved the idea so decided to try it on handmade paper. I received a box which had this wonderful creamy packing paper. Of course, I turned it into my own paper using  the Pour Handmold Since I am thinking of mailing these cards, I gave each  piece of paper a layer of Mod Podge on  both the front and the back. I wanted to use watercolors even though I was not sure if this would work. I  I sketched out simple designs and added the paints. Sometimes it soaked in and others it just pooled on top. I dabbed some off or added more until I was happy with the finished look. I used a black pen to outline and stamped a sentiment. I love the finished look and look forward to sending these out! Once addressed, I will probably seal the cards again to protect them in case they get wet. I hope you are inspired to make your own pape...