Silk paper Question

[Pandagirl]

I made some silk paper last year to make a bowl using a glass bowl as a form.  I wasn't sure how big to make the paper, but figured I could trim it if necessary.  The instructions I used called for diluted acrylic medium to be used. I inverted the bowl and covered it with the paper while it was wet with the medium.  The paper was too big but I scrunched up the corners and thought it would be ok.  When dry, the paper started to peel off in layers and the ends were hard and the bowl shape caved.  The instructions said if you didn't like it to rinse it out and start over.  I did rinse it out, but the ends are still hard.  I like the colors and don't want to waste the silk.  Has anyone used acrylic medium this way?  I was wondering if I washed or soaked it in a synthropal wash if some of the acrylic would haws out?

If I can't get the hard ends to soften up, I can cut it up and possibly use it in a mixed media piece.  I'm not sure if it will felt well. Any suggestions? Anyone else have this experience?

[Pandagirl]

I think I need a better picture again.

[MTRuth]

I use fabric medium for making silk paper but I think that is permanent once dried. Acrylic medium as far as I know, once dry, is permanent too. It looks pretty thick so I'm not sure it would felt well. I think your idea of cutting it up and using it for mixed media might be the best option.

[Pandagirl]

Thanks Ruth. That's what I thought. I may peel off those layers and try felting it and see what happens. If it doesn't felt, I'll just use it for mixed media,

[zed]

I'd just frame that as it is, Marilyn

Sorry, I don't know any answers.

[Pandagirl]

Thanks Zed. I thought of that, too. There are some thin spots and some areas that are peeling. Maybe I should just reapply the medium. I'm sure I'll think of something. :-)

The silk paper I used with your spray starch method came out fine and I've used it on other projects. I also used textile medium which was good as well. In fact the felted silk I did with the Pollack used textile medium.  I just wanted to try something stiffer.  Too ambitious of a project I guess.  Next time I'll do a smaller one. ;-)

[MTRuth]

After thinking about this again, did you wet the silk all the way through before you applied the acrylic medium? I think the medium doesn't penetrate through dry silk easily. Not that the idea helps much now.

[Pandagirl]

Yes the instructions said to wet with soapy water first with a brush, then apply the medium. I may still try soaking it the soapy water and see what happens. If not, it's still usable for something. :-)

[koffipot]

You could do some free motion stitching on it, either on its own or on to felt or other fabric.

[Pandagirl]

Thanks Koffipot. The ends are very hard. I'm not sure a sewing machine would handle that part. It definitely needs a backing of some sort. I'm going to let it sit for awhile until I can "see" it in a project. :-)