Article Type Making Art Together Making Art Together Categories Collage Painting Theory and Resources

Materials Spotlight: Folia Transparent Paper

Meghan Burch

This lovely array of colors is a stack of Folia Transparent Paper. It has become a go-to material for some of our programs and it continues to be a favorite material of our Art Studio guests. It wasn’t originally included in my list: The Art Studio’s Favorite Materials because it’s not widely available nor, to my knowledge, is a similar paper offered by other manufacturers. Sometimes it curls a bit when loaded with glue or paint, but kids are usually so happy with its translucency and bright colors that they are willing to put up with a little fussing to work with it. Despite all that, we wanted you to know about this great paper!

Because it’s sturdier and more fade resistant than tissue paper, we always use it when we help students create Eric Carle-Inspired collages in our outreach program, Collage and the Art of Eric Carle. It’s weight and texture reminds me alot of glassine, which is a paper often used to layer between drawings or photographs to when being archivally stored.

Rainbow Window Shades

We’ve also used this paper in a few iterations of our Rainbow Window Shades. Find it in 100 19.75” x 27.5” sheet rolls at School Specialty.

Do you have this paper at home in your classroom? What are you and your children’s favorite ways to use it?

Making Art with Children is generously sponsored by the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority.

Authors

Meghan, smiling and wearing a grey shirt with a blue background.

Meghan Burch

Art Educator from 2003-2016, Meghan has a BFA in Illustration from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She tries to think with materials and work with her hands every day.
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