Printed Patterned Paper

Prints are created by drawing a composition on a surface called a matrix. Then by various techniques, the image is printed on paper. These techniques may involve the use of one or another kind of printing press and ink, or the image may be transferred by pressing the paper by hand onto the inked surface of the matrix and rubbing.

Beautiful handmade papers have subtle pattern printed on them. They are printable on most laser printers and some photocopiers. Ink jets and bubble jets will occasionally bleed over the surface fibers. Patterned papers are produced by passing the web of paper through rollers engraved with the pattern on the papermaking machine. For linen or crash patterns the rollers may be wrapped with the material itself.

Several patterns and prints are made on the handmade paper to add a lot of grace to the already exquisite texture of Handmade papers. Floral prints, tiger prints, leaf print, marble print, etc. are commonly viewed on the paper.

The main techniques used for printing patterns and designs onto the paper are:

Relief Printing
In this technique, the artist sketches a composition on a wood block or other surface and then cuts away pieces from the surface, leaving only the composition raised. Ink is then applied to the surface with a roller and the image is transferred to paper with a press or by hand rubbing.

Intaglio Printing
In this technique, a plate is covered with ink, and then wiped so that only the incised grooves contain ink. The plate and a dampened sheet of paper are then run through a press together to create the print.

Planographic Printing
In this technique the ink is left on a flat plane of the surface and the sheet is placed over it. If needed a little pressure is required.

The main use of these printed patterned paper is printing invitaions, resumes or broadsides and it also produces great results in the hands of scrapbookers. These papers are best for backgrounds, mats, cutouts, and much more.