El Presidente: Handmade Project

I’ve been experimenting with making my own paper and utilizing a number of image creation + transfer techniques. This paper is a mix of raw pulp combined with toothpicks. I tried to breakdown the toothpicks using caustic soda and then running them through a hand-crank meat grinder, but the results were not what I expected. Some of the toothpicks broke down, but overall the caustic soda had little effect. My guess is that I didn’t use enough. Also, I will probably never use toothpicks again anyways, concentrating my efforts on softer materials.

I love being able to mix handmade and computer techniques. The “threading” look is something I’m pretty jazzed about and will continue to use in the future.