Ksenya Kirsanova is a talented artisan who is owner of UAE-based Art Labs. She practices an art called Sospeso Trasparente, a ‘volume decoupage’ decorative technique that allows you to make decorative elements from special paper, like napkins and decoupage cards.
Sospeso Trasparente
Ksenya Kirsanova is she’s the only person registered in the UAE to practice the patented decorative technique created and patented by Italian decorator Monica Allegro.
“The plastic that is used for Sospeso Trasparente is unique because it is a transparent thermoplastic which becomes flexible when it is heated and therefore very easy to model before it cools to retain the shape. What makes this plastic unique is that it is non-toxic and can be used in a very safe manner by students learning this technique.”
Safety First
She told Tempo that not knowing how to do it properly can be dangerous. The reason is that some students of the technique may try to substitute the patented plastic with normal plastic which causes infectious fumes and other hazards. That is why Ksenya is adamant about emphasizing that normal plastic can never take the place of the patented thermoplastic when working on the Sospeso Trasparente technique.
Sometimes it is important to get a bit technical when talking about handcraft techniques so that people understand the dangers of using materials that don’t come with a stamp of approval. There is no point in creating lovely handcraft work if the fumes of the substituted plastic get to you and you are not around to enjoy the work of your hands. Sospeso Trasparente materials come with a safety certificate, so if you are unsure whether your supplier is selling the right kind of plastic, you can always ask to see this safety certificate.
Tips and Techniques
With that out of the way, let’s look further into the technique and see what can be created with Sospeso Trasparente. According to Ksenya, it all depends on the type of paper you use and whether you want the matte or glossy effect for the end product.
“At the basic level, the napkin (with a floral pattern) or a découpage card is cut into the desired shape before being glued onto the plastic film. Once glued, leave it to dry and cut the motifs together with the film.”
“After heating with a candle, model it with a series of Sospeso Trasparente specific instruments such as the latex pad and wooden burins. Shape the film while it is warm and flexible because once it cools down, the shape is retained.”
Ksenya has created a range of Sospeso Trasparente products such as jewelry, frame decorations, brooches and more. The list of things you can make from this product is endless. Just keep in mind the safety principles of this technique and you are good to go.
Visit ArtLabs at http://www.artlabs.me
By Jan D’Sa (www.janysde.com)
