Faux Leather Treasure Map

Create pliable, realistic faux leather with paper and a cosmetic product.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Stamp a map stamp or desired image onto a grocery bag with a waterproof ink, or leave the bag blank. The written tutorial will show the blank example, and the video will show the stamped one.

   

2. Step 2

   Use a fine water mister to spray the bag, and gently crumple it up into a ball. The paper should be just damp, not soaking wet. Allow to air dry crumpled. You can also gently dry it with a heat gun.

   

3. Step 3

   Unfold the bag gently, and smooth it out - but not all the way flat - you still want to see the wrinkles.

   

4. Step 4

   Rub the map with BioSilk or a similar product until it's a consistent, much darker color. Rub it deep into the paper fibers.

   

5. Step 5

   Crumple the bag again and allow to air dry.

   

6. Step 6

   Open bag and gently smooth.

   

7. If desired, use the direct to paper method to add ink to the high points, and/or ink blend the edges with a darker color. Both will age your map or plain leather piece.

   

8. Step 7

   Cover the map with gloss or matte medium and let dry.

   

9. Step 8

   With your fingers, lightly add gilding wax to the high points of the map and allow to dry.

   

10. 

11. Step 9

    Finish your project. This is the blank version.

    

12. Here's the stamped version.

    

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Faux Leather Treasure Map. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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