Borders & Edges
with Cherril Doty & Marsh Scott
Artists often ignore the edges of their works; however, borders and edges can enhance certain themes or create a unique frame. Adding borders or otherwise finishing off the edges of a work also creates visual interest in a piece.
Materials
• Substrates (with or without completed artwork)
• Ruler
• Variety of edging scissors (pinking shears, fabric shears, edge-cutters)
• Rotary cutter or paper trimmer
• Watercolor paper
• Container of water
• 1” brush
• Old cookie sheet or baking pan
• Lighter
• Acrylic paints
• Acrylic medium
• Acrylic gel
• Painter’s tape
• Assorted printed papers
• Deli paper
• Sea sponge
• Used dryer sheets or dry baby wipes
• Cosmetic sponge
• Blunt, short-bristled brush
• Rub ‘n Buff® or gilders paste
Cut, Torn & Colored Edges
Cut and Torn Edges
Tearing: This can be done with wet or dry paper. Dry tearing creates an even edge, whereas wet tearing creates a deckled effect. For wet tearing, watercolor paper works best.
Cutting: Hard edges are created using a mat knife, rotary cutter, or paper trimmer. When cutting, cut along the outside of the ruler so the artwork will not be damaged. Thick, textural pieces may take several cuts.
Step One Moisten the front and back edges of the paper. Allow the paper to absorb the water.
Step Two Place a hard-edge ruler on the inside of paper, and tear paper away from the ruler.
Above Left: Cut edge
Center: Dry tear
Right: Wet tear
Colored Edges
Colored accents can be added to torn or sharp edges using several mediums.
Lightly apply paint to edges using a blunt, short-bristled brush (top left) or a cosmetic sponge (top right).
Lightly apply Rub ‘n Buff® or gilders paste to edges using your fingertips or a soft, lint-free rag.
Use pens and markers to highlight edges. Use the side of the nib or a brush-tip pen for best results.
Burned Edges & Sharp Borders
Burned-Edge Border
A burned edge lends an irregular darkening effect to paper. This method works best with torn edges.
Light the edge of a torn-edge sheet of watercolor paper with a lighter, one inch at a time, making sure the flame is extinguished before moving on. Continue around the paper until the burned edge is complete.
Sharp-Edge Border
Measure and mark a border, using a straight edge and pencil. Tape inside the pencil lines with painter’s tape.
Brush two layers of acrylic medium (on a flat surface) or gel (on a textured surface) on the outside edge, allowing it to dry between layers. Stamp or paint on the edge and allow to dry; gently remove the tape.
Colored Border Effects
To create a sheer-color border effect, mix one-part acrylic paint with three-parts acrylic medium; brush the border with the mixture. For a darker border, let dry and repeat.
You can also apply sheer color by rubbing. Dab a little paint on a used dryer sheet or dry baby wipe; then apply it to your border.
Stamped or stenciled borders can be created using a repetitive application or stenciling of found objects, such as the bottom of a plastic produce basket or the end of a cardboard toilet paper toll.
For an interesting textural border, apply opaque or mixed paint to sea sponge, and dab on the edges of the substrate.
Applied Borders
Borders can be placed evenly on all sides or broken up. Contrasting colors may be used for a more obvious border, or you can use similar colors and textures.
Scraps of painted paper, maps, napkins, and other printed paper materials make unique applied borders.
Colorful strings, cords, and natural objects, including slender leaves and thin twigs, also make excellent borders.
Film strips and punched-hole paper strips make great borders. Remove hole strips from a spiral notebook; paint and adhere with heavy gel.