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.

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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.