From my Stash

Today's post is another in the "Stash" series where I share with you some of the materials that I have stockpiled over the years. Today is sponsored by Geometrics and India.

All four of the examples for today inspired me because of their geometric designs. I have always been attracted to the order of geometry--even the mathematics version. There is something aesthetically pleasing in know what to expect visually. Three of the four papers have been printed with a metallic ink.

All four of these examples come from the paper making tradition that has been burgeoning in India. Using papers from India come with their own set of difficulties when dealing with the paper. The paper has a higher rag content so it is thicker. This means that it really REALLY stretches when wet. Also the thickness of the paper makes turning/mitering the corners of bookbinding a lot more challenging. This does not make the best wrapping paper because tape does not stick to the surface very well. I have actually used hot glue to hold down the sides of the package when gluing the fold overs onto themselves.

Another challenge to these papers is that they are usually printed with petroleum based inks. You can definitely smell the difference when working with these papers but the inks are so vibrant they are usually worth of the olfactory assault. Of the four selections, I am hoarding the bottom right sample until I absolutely have to use it. I don't use a lot of green colors in my work so the other three samples will get used first but that burgundy, black and gold pattern just stops me in my tracks.