Silk Paper

Silk paper is a paper made from silk fivers which are binded together using water and heat. Unlike normal paper this has a fabric like feels as well has having a slight sheen to it. The paper can be used for a variety of processes such as print, batik and even embroidery. Other fibres can also be trapped in  silk paper including cotton and wool. Imagery can all be trapped within the silk divers if they are placed very thinly.

I decided to create my own silk paper which could be used for printing and machine embroidery. 

To create my silk paper I first payed a layers of baking paper on a surface suitable for ironing and sprayed this with a thin mist of water. I then placed small amounts of fibres vertically until I had created the shape and size I wanted the paper to be. After I had laid my first layer I then laid a second and third layer in alternate directions until I felt the paper would be thick enough and sprayed this with a further layer of water. I placed another sheet of baking paper over the top of this.

Once I had placed down all my layers I then ironed the fibers until they fused together and flattened to create paper. I ironed this for some time to remove all the moisture, when making silk paper the water allows a glue like substance which binds the fibers together and so all the moisture has to be removed to ensure the fibers are glued together successfully. 

I created a both plain and decorative silk paper including silk paper with added imagery of insecT's and my own illustrations. I could then add print work to this and machine embroidery of my own illustrations.
Due to the nature of the paper and fibers it would be very difficult to add large amounts of machine stitch as the paper would not be very strong unless a large amount of layers were applied I would also have to take care when printing onto the silk paper as wetting the glue could cause the fibers to become sticky.
When creating the silk paper I had to take care to ensure I did not make it too thick as the fibers would not be able to bind successfully, because of this I would not be able to make thick silk paper.
Health and safety.
- Care must be taken to keep hands away from the hot plate of the iron.
- The iron must not be held in the same place for two long as it will burn the fabric beneath.
- Wires must be placed away from walk ways to ensured there is no tripping hazard.
- The iron must always be switched off after use.
- If there is a frequent use of the silk fibers a mask should be worn to avoid damage to the respiratory system.
- When using a spray bottle and liquid water should not be sprayed near electricity.

Equipment List-
- Iron
- Baking paper
- Carded silk cocoon fibers
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Other fibers (optional)
- Imagery (optional)