I Found a New Pastel Paper!

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'Poppies Make Me Smile'       8.5 x11       pastel    ©Karen Margulis
available with paypal $75

 What a find!  I was happily filling my cart at Blick's online when I saw a new pastel paper. It was only $13.99 for 25 colored sheets so I had to give it a try.  When the paper arrived I was thrilled that I had ordered it. The feel and the colors were luscious!

It is called Shizen Pastel paper and it is handmade paper from India. It is 100% cotton rag made from discards from the Indian garment industry. And it is made using a pollution free process. It is acid free and is a nice weight of 200 GSM.  The paper has 4 deckled edges that are just too wonderful to hide with a mat.  And best of all the colors are amazing. I used a red piece for the poppy painting but I can't wait to paint on the turquoise piece.  Read on for my review.

An Idea for Framing

Showing off the Deckle Edge

A package of 25 8.5 x 11 sheets of Shizen Pastel Paper

• FEEL: The paper is nice and soft. It took the pastel very nicely but it is better suited to softest pastels. I noticed that the harder sticks pulled up the nap of the paper. It has a nice weight and just plain feels good!
• TOOTH:  The paper had a laid texture and a bumpy handmade surface. Since it is handmade the surface is highly irregular and unpredictable (a quality I love)  Since it isn't a sanded paper, it won't take many layers of pastel. But I didn't mind because I didn't want to cover up the wonderful paper color. 
• I love the deckle edges of this paper. I would definitely want to frame it to showcase the edges although you could certainly use a mat.
• CONCLUSION:  I like the unique look and feel to this paper. I don't mind that it doesn't take many layers. It forces you to make a mark and leave it.  If you like homemade surfaces and unpredictability, you'll like this paper. If you want a regular, even  surface this paper will make you work a bit outside your comfort zone, but it will be well worth it!

I am going to continue to play with this paper. I will be adding some clear gesso to see if I can add some tooth. I'll report back with more details.Check out the paper at Blicks HERE