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    Home » DIY Projects

    Bleeding Tissue Paper Art: Decorating a Serving Tray

    March 22, 2022 by Patti Estep 10 Comments

    Jump to How-to Card
    Floral bleeding tissue paper 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 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 the beauty and versatility of bleed art tissue paper. It's definitely one of those art activities for crafters of all ages.

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    Old green wooden tray

    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.  If you are working in a smaller space you could also try white cardstock paper.

    Art paper, plastic gloves, paint brushed, glass of water and bleeding art tissue paper.

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

    Flower shapes cut outs.

    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.

    Tissue paper shapes from paper floral cut outs.

    For this project, you need to buy Bleeding Tissue Paper also called bleeding art tissue, or art tissue paper, not wrapping tissue paper.

    Where to Buy Bleeding Art Tissue Paper

    You can find this type of tissue paper at craft stores and many office supply stores. They typically come in large sheets of versatile colors but sometimes you find bleeding tissue paper squares to use that could be very convenient.

    Painting the paper background with 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.

    Painting a leaf with tissue paper

    Next, I placed a leaf and painted over it with water using a regular paint brush.

    Tissue paper leaf print

    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.

    Tissue paper flower painting

    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.

    Tray with floral tissue art

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

    Tissue paper art tray with teacups and cookies

    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.

    Patti signature

    More Tissue Crafts

    • Tissue Paper Peony Flowers
    • DIY Cherry Blossoms
    • DIY Autumn Wreath
    Floral bleeding tissue paper tray.
    Tray with floral tissue art
    Print

    Bleeding Tissue Paper Art: Decorating a Serving Tray

    Make a beautiful serving tray using a bleeding tissue paper art technique. You can sometimes find serving trays at thrift stores or yard sales.
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Active Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr
    Course: DIY Projects
    Yield: 1 Tray
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $20

    Equipment

    • Scissors

    Materials

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

    Instructions

    • Cut a piece of watercolor paper to fit your tray.
    • Cut out some basic flower shapes on the tissue paper.
    • Wet the base, then crumple the tissue paper.
    • Set it around the base paper and wet it more with a paintbrush.
    • Remove it.
    • Place a leaf on top and paint over it with water.
    • Let the painting dry.
    • Add a touch of black marker to outline the flowers and leaves if desired.
    « Water Bottle Bird Feeder Tutorial
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Peggy

      November 04, 2017 at 7:50 pm

      Wonderful! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 05, 2017 at 6:19 am

        Glad you like it Peggy.

        Reply
    2. Donna Harvey

      December 13, 2016 at 7:21 am

      I have never seen this done before. I am in awe, I love how you layered the paper, it gives it depth and an almost see through quality. I love to paint, but it takes awhile to finish, this would make a quicker gift. Just think of the things you could put it on. Thanks for sharing. Donna

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 13, 2016 at 7:28 am

        Hi Donna,

        I could not believe how fun the tissue was to work with. I've been thinking about other ideas I can find a use for it. You will love it. I love watercolors and maybe this year I will actually try taking a class but this paper gives you the same feel. Definitely try it!

        Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
        Patti

        Reply
    3. Karen R

      June 05, 2016 at 8:59 am

      This is fantastic!!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        June 05, 2016 at 10:08 am

        Hi Karen,

        I'm glad you think so. I had sooo much fun making it.
        Patti

        Reply
    4. Donna H

      April 17, 2016 at 12:13 pm

      Love the way you layered the tissue paper to get such deep and pretty colors for your flowers. Your tray is beautiful!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        April 17, 2016 at 3:40 pm

        You are so sweet. I was really happy with the way it turned out.
        Thank you Donna!

        Reply
    5. Ellen

      April 17, 2016 at 9:58 am

      Sooo pretty!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        April 17, 2016 at 11:07 am

        Thanks!

        Reply

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