Diploma - Chapter 4 - Relief Paper Surfaces with Starch Paste

I chose to use the ancient method of decorating papers with starch paste using the recipe in the notes (made from wholemeal flour, hence the added texture) rather than a more contemporary medium, as I'd used many of these in Module 1.  Designs were based on the both the patterns observed in Opus Anglicanum embroideries and those from medieval manuscripts. All the samples show are about postcard size and have a base of either cereal box card or Amazon envelope card to give some stability to the layers of paste.  Then,

• each surface was given an initial coating of white matt emulsion to both seal the card before the starch paste was applied and also to give a medieval look,
• brusho was used to colour the paste in all but the last sample, ultramarine for the first layer and gamboge for the second, 
• the paste was spread with a small squeegee and marks were made with mini bamboo skewers - both the sharp and blunt ends, cardboard edges with shapes cut and cocktail sticks. Metallic layers were added as detailed below.  

Better marks were obtained when the paste was spread less thickly. This also had the advantage that the paste dried quicker.  Letting the paste dry naturally lessened the curling of the edges of the card.

Sample 1

Metallic - PlayArt silver wax crayon and copper metallic rub-on on right hand side only

Sample 2

Metallic - gold acrylic applied with dry sponge and then wiped off in places with wet cloth

Sample 3

Metallic - graphite stick

Sample 4

Metallic - copper Neocolour2 

Sample 5

Metallic - PlayArt silver wax crayon

Sample 6

Metallic - copper and silver Derwent metallic crayons

Sample 7

Metallic - PlayArt copper wax crayon

Sample 8

Metallic - Stabilo gold crayon, green and red metallic rub-ons