Bleeding Tissue Paper Art: Decorating a Serving Tray

Bleeding tissue paper art is easy to work with and gives a wonderful watercolor look. Techniques vary, but all work well and make for beautiful artwork.

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.

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How to Make a Bleeding Tissue Paper Art Tray

I found this sturdy tray at a thrift store. The shape was great, 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 gloves, 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 paintbrush 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 to 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 protect 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.

P.S. You may also enjoy making Tissue Paper Peony Flowers or this fun Pressed Flower Resin Tray. See them and much more on my DIY Projects Page.

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Bleeding Tissue Paper Art: Decorating a Serving Tray

Yield: 1 Tray

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Estimated Cost: $20

Make a beautiful serving tray using a bleeding tissue paper art technique. You can sometimes find serving trays at thrift stores or yard sales.

Print

Materials

• Bleeding Tissue Paper
• Tray
• Watercolor Paper
• Gloves
• Mod Podge

Tools

• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of watercolor paper to fit your tray.
2. Cut out some basic flower shapes on the tissue paper.
3. Wet the base, then crumple the tissue paper.
4. Set it around the base paper and wet it more with a paintbrush.
5. Remove it.
6. Place a leaf on top and paint over it with water.
7. Let the painting dry.
8. Add a touch of black marker to outline the flowers and leaves if desired.

Recommended Products

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  Hygloss Products Bleeding Tissue Assortment- Multi-Color Assortment 12 x 18 Inch, 50 Sheets