Paper Watermarks of All Shapes and Sizes

light shadow shade paper watermark example

Here's a snippet of hand papermaking inspiration for today: paper watermarks. Western style paper watermarks are designs set into a sheet of paper during the papermaking process when it is first formed and wet. The thickness and thinness of the sheet is manipulated, resulting in a hidden image only revealed when held up to a light source. Light shines through the thinner parts of the sheet, while the opacity of the thick areas block the light. The examples below are from www.watermarks.info, where you can browse hundreds of watermarks collected by G. Garcia.

laid mould paper watermark "bfk rives" example

cigarette paper watermark pattern line example

official seal paper watermark examples

light shadow shade watermark paper portrait detailed example

Watermarks have an interesting medley of uses, from being signs of authenticity to being used as an artistic technique. You can find watermarks in American currency as a measure against forgery and counterfeiting, and paper manufacturers use watermarks as a sign of the sheet's origin. When the light and shade (also known as shadowmark or chiaroscuro) watermark technique was developed in the mid-19th century, watermarks of much detail and complexity were created, such as these examples at the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum.Linear watermarks are made by laying string or wire directly on a papermaking mould, while detailed light and shade watermarks traditionally use low-relief wax to alter the variation in the paper pulp thickness.Want to learn how to make a paper watermark? Watch Arnold Grummer's video tutorial, which features a variety of simple techniques.