A new way to use rice paper to create bespoke home decor!

You know that I am a big fan of rice paper and normally you'll see me using it in my art journals but today I'm taking it off the page and onto something completely different ... for me!

This is going to be a long post but I really wanted to share with you a step by step process for this project.

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The journey/inspiration behind today's project

Not sure if you know but Personal Impressions has another string to it's bow - Country Love Crafts. They commission, import and sell bisque pottery items. Their range is extensive. Anyways, I'm waffling, they have a new item coming very soon and I was asked to decorate it for marketing promo shots - you know what I mean! This was a fabulous opportunity to try something new, especially with rice paper.

At the same time as being asked to decirate the new vase, Michelle McCarthy reached out and asked if I would like to create something with her new rice paper designs. It was kismit! It meant I could truly push my rice paper envelope and take on a whole new challenge for me.

Michelle's rice papers are a little thicker than what I have used previously but that doesn't mean they act any differently to other rice papers - they definitely don't! I am using a design from her "Where Country Gardens Bloom" collection. Why? Because the floral elements were perfect for the vase shape and design.

Supplies Used:

* Bisque Vase (coming soon) - Country Love Crafts
* Michelle McCarthy Rice Paper - Via Michelle's Facebook group HERE
* Cadence Bond & Seal Matt 
* Cadence Acrylic Paint - Taffy 
* Cadence Mosaic Egg Crackle  
* Cadence Aqua Stone Varnish  
* Cadence Coating Brush 
* Stippling Brush (from my own supplies)
* Paint brush & pot of water (for tearing paper)(from my own supplies)

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Step by step tutorial with close up photos

Before I begin explaining the process here is what the vase looked like before adding the rice paper layers.

• 1] Start by "tearing away" the different designs you want from your rice paper. I prefer to use water with a paint brush to create those feathery edges which makes blending layers much easier.

• Next choose a good suitable adhesive to apply the rice paper to your vase. I have chosen to use Cadence Bond & Seal Matt. I apply a layer to the vase and also to the reverse of the rice paper elements. Using a soft bristle brush, I carefully add each piece working from the centre outwards. Gradually add all your rice paper pieces until you have covered the vase.

• Now to blend in the rice paper with the vase. The background colour on the rice paper is not the same as the bisque vase and to create that blend I am going to use Cadence acrylic paint, Taffy. I chose also to use a stippling brush to add another layer of texture, I blend the paint a little over the rice paper too to make it appear "as one".

• Now the next stage is a personal preference thing. I wanted to add some shimmer effects to the vase and chose to add "random" stippled touches of gold - using Cadence Dora Metallic Rich Gold. I chose places that i thought would accentuate the floral rice paper elements. Then with a stencil, some circular elements with the same paint.

• I could have left it here but really, really wanted to try out a new product to me, Cadence Mosaic Egg Crackle. This gives the illusion of very soft, porcelian effect crackles on the project. They are very subtle and not the "in your face" kind of crackles. It is a 2 part process and looks creamy when you first apply but dries completely clear.

6] That was all the stages finished and the only thing left to do was add a sealing coat. I wanted to use something that gave the illusion that the vase had been glazed in a kiln, so went for Cadence Aqua Stone Varnish.

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A journey of discovery (and a New favourite technique!)

Well, there you have it! Who knew taking rice paper off the page and onto a bisque vase could be so much fun and so rewarding? This project truly allowed me to push my creative boundaries and discover a fantastic new way to use a loved medium. The versatility of rice paper never ceases to amaze me, and I'm thrilled with how this piece turned out. It really does look like it's just come out of a kiln!

Have you ever decorated a ceramic piece or pushed a familiar material into a completely new challenge? I'd love to hear about your experiences and what unexpected projects you've taken on in the comments below!

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Where to Find These Wonderful Products:

I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with both Country Love Crafts and Michelle McCarthy on this project.

• Country Love Crafts: They are the bisque pottery arm of Personal Impressions, and they have an extensive range of fantastic quality bisque items perfect for decorating. You can find more about their beautiful products and the range coming soon by visiting Country Love Crafts HERE. Keep an eye out for this vase!

• Michelle McCarthy Rice Papers: Michelle'srice paper collections are absolutely stunning, and as you saw, the quality and thickness of her rice papers are wonderful to work with. I highly recommend checking out her designs. You can find her beautiful rice papers and more by visiting Michelle's Facebook Group - Michelle McCarthy Crafts

A huge thank you to both for making this creative adventure possible!

Until next time, take care,

Lou 
xxx