Spring time – Good for rusting paper

You may call me crazy. But I like to collect rusted bits of debris found on the side of the road.

Spring in New England, is a good time to find bits of rusted metal on the side of the road. And things are even pre-flatted. 🙂

I have a rusted cookie sheet and a collection of flat rusted things. Once or twice a year I like to rust up some paper or fabric.

It is easy to do, but yields unpredictable results.

1. Get your rusty things wet
2. Wet your paper
3. Stack the rusty stuff on your paper
4. Get the most contact possible. I like to put some weight on top
5. You can spritz with vinegar/water mix
6. Don’t cover. You need air to oxidize the metal.
7. Wait over night (that is the hard part)

Then you have some paper wit wonderfully aged patina. I have used it for:

• Book making
• Collage
• Making prints

Give it a try!