Thursday

Classic Italian Papers

This Florentine Tray, an Annie Modica decoupage design at Gracious Home, caught my eye. I love beautiful Italian papers, and thought, why not do something like this yourself?  There are so many wonderful patterns to chose from.

Italy is famous for her exquisite papers, a tradition that dates back to Arab introduction in 625 B.C. The earliest recorded paper document in Italy is a deed from King Roger of Sicily, in 1102. 

Beautiful papers like these by Paper Mojo are based on traditional Renaissance designs from Florence. The first paper mills were built in the 11th century in Italy (in the Fabriano area) and Spain. Linen and hemp rags were used to make the paper; wood pulp wouldn't come into use until sometime later. 

Tuscan Prints:  these are also inspired from traditional designs. Up until the 1950s papers such as these were hand printed, but now a days, they're done by machine. It's still a highly refined process, however, since offset printing techniques can use up to six colors.  These prints often have gold accents that give them a wonderful shimmer in the light, and no surprise:  real gold powder is added for its luster. 

Modern trends have changed the look of Florentine papers, but this new print carries the same tradition and quality as its ancestors.

A fun take on a traditional style.

Asian inspiration makes its way into a traditional Italian medium (fitting, considering the Chinese are generally credited with inventing paper).

These patterns would be fun done as Modica's decoupage trash can and tissue box too. 

For more inspiring ideas on how to use lovely papers, check out the Paper Mojo blog.

Image 1 and 9, gracioushome.com. Images 2-5, papermojo.com. Images 6-8, Hollanders.com.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the Pagoda pattern! The others aren't bad either. Thanks for sharing.

Southern Aspirations said...

Oh I love all of these! Interesting about the gold powder- though I might have suspected. Just learned about Paper Mojo yesterday- would love to be able to decoupage something! I've just tried a shoebox, for bathroom storage, but the results were less than spectacular. Practice needed, I suppose.

Beth Connolly said...

I am quite good at decoupage, so this is a great source.

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

That tray is gorgeous. I'm afraid if I attempted a project like this, it wouldn't look anything like it. I'm not the most capable . . .

ticklishfromadistance said...

I order from them often and they have a wonderful selection. A great idea.

Sarah Klassen said...

That tray is beautiful! Wow. Very nice post...I was thinking that it would be also chic to line a simple, clear vase with some pretty papers as well, so that it shows through, and you could change it whenever you would like. Then, place a smaller vase inside to contain the flower. I wonder how this would look...

Sanity Fair said...

Sarah - I think that's a great idea. I've something similar done with sliced fruits (lime slices in between two vases, etc.), but decoupage would be beautiful - and even better, you could match it to your china or dinnerware.

Christina said...

paper mojo is a fantastic site and there's so much fun stuff you can do with decorative papers. love your picks.

Theresa Cheek said...

Such a wonderful post! I love marbled and hand printed papers. This is a keeper!

Ingrid Mida said...

How beautiful!

Averill said...

Those Paper Mojo designs are gorgeous -- I'm going to have to try and remember to check them out when I get back home. Have a great weekend!

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