Bleeding Tissue Paper Art: Decorating a Serving Tray

Bleeding tissue paper art is probably something that you may have seen before. Specifically a kid’s projects come to mind for me. It wasn’t until I came across the painting Birds on Canvas, from Crafts by Amanda, that I realized how beautiful and versatile this technique could be.

Bleeding Tissue Paper Art

I’ve been thinking about creating something ever since. One thing I really like is the watercolor effect. Watercolor painting, I may have mentioned before, is something I’ve always wanted to do. I even took a class many years ago, but it’s a lot harder than you might think. At least for me it was, especially because I possess little to no patience. Anyway, this technique allows you to paint with the bleeding tissue paper in a watercolor-like fashion and it’s super easy to do.

I found this sturdy tray at a thrift store. I really liked the shape but not the color so I spray painted it a nice gray color. I thought it would be a great base for a painting.

So I cut a piece of watercolor paper to fit.

Amanda suggested wearing glove, and I’m glad she did because the tissue paper comes off on your hands pretty easily.

I cut out some basic flower shapes to use as a template but you could probably just draw your own right on the tissue paper.

For this project you need to buy Bleeding Tissue Paper not wrapping tissue paper.

I started by using Amanda’s method of wetting the base. Then crumpling the tissue paper, setting it around the base paper and wetting it more with a paint brush and then removing it. This made a nice background for my painting.

Next I placed a leaf and painted over it with water.

When I lifted the leaf tissue up, it left a nice watercolor print. Now, I know I said I wanted a watercolor painting, but for some reason, the day I made this painting, I fell in love with the tissue, and decided to leave it on the painting. You see in addition to Amanda’s wonderful post I watched this video by Leona. In this video she uses water with glue, and leaves the tissue on the paper.

So in the end I ended up using a couple of different techniques. It was super fun and creative. I’d recommend it for anyone. Once the painting dried I added a touch of black marker to outline and give a little definition to the flower and leaves.

Then I used Mod Podge to glue it to my tray. I stopped at local hardware store and they cut me a piece of Plexiglas to place on top.

Then my husband helped by placing a bead of clear caulk around the back and sides, to project the painting from any spills.

I’m thrilled with how well it turned out.

I can’t decide if I want to give it as a gift or keep it for myself.