Handmade Original Transparency

I was getting rid of some old papers and decided it was time for some laminated comics to go. I sometimes have a problem letting go, so I try to destroy things when I get rid of them lest I change my mind. That lead to an interesting discovery.

I seem to have found a process you can use to make original newspaper clippings into semi-transparent screens. Basically, this is a process you can use as an alternative to simply copying onto clear plastic. I have no idea why you would want to do this except that it gives a neat real newspaper clipping look. (Because it is a real newspaper clipping.)

So basically, you will need to take and laminate a piece of newspaper, separate the lamination, and remove most of the paper.

Requirements:

• Laminated newspaper clipping
• Scissors
• Steel wool
• Water

The first step (assuming the clipping is already laminated) is to cut the laminated piece across an edge. You need to cut through the the paper so that the lamination can be easily separated.

Now bend the laminated clipping both ways all around, but particularly on the cut edge. This will help break apart the halves of the clipping and make it easier to separate.

After a little bit of bending the side you cut should now split easily. Start at a bend and carefully work the split out to one side and then the other until you have two halves. This split should be perfect with the front and back split straight down the middle.

Now the easy part is done. This next bit will take some persistence. So, fill up a sink with warm water (for your comfort) and let the transparency-to-be soak for a minute or two.

Now that it is wet begin to rub off the paper. First start with your hand. Just roll the paper under your thumb or pointer finger to get most of the paper off. Once you've got about one layer off with your hands switch to the steel wool.

You could do it all with your hands, but that would take longer and be harder. You could do it all with the steel wool, but if you don't take some off with your hands then it will clog quickly and be a waste of steel wool.

Be careful not to rub too much off. You will still have paper on the plastic when you are done. If the image starts to disappear then stop rubbing on that area.

Finally, once you are happy with the level of transparency, dab the plastic dry with a cloth or paper towel.

So, there you have it. A homemade transparency that isn't a copy. It has a really neat look to it that maintains the paper feel. I think it would be neat for some project but I can't say what.

• Don't do this with anything important and irreplaceable.
• Do comment if you have ideas or suggestions.

A note on the use of copyrighted content: I have made limited use, in low resolution images, of a copyrighted work in a way that does not detract from the value of the work in question. It is for educational and non-commercial purposes. Given these facts it falls under fair use.