Crafty People

[stewey]

Any arty/crafty people on here? I came across an old newspaper the other day, Sept. 18th, 1942. which had been rolled up in a wall and was part of the insulation. Obviously, after being rolled up for 70 odd years, it is full of creases. I read that placing the pages between two sheets of baking parchment paper and ironing at a low setting would remove the creases and folds to some extent. Has anyone tried this?

[Elina]

I haven't tried it stewey , but it seems logical. The newspaper will be protected.

[albaqwerty]

How fragile is it Stewey?

If it's rolled up, maybe a little moisture to ease it apart then iron it as you've said.
Put it in the bathroom and run a hot shower to create steam.

(I'm not arty nor crafty, it's only a thought)

[Peaspeculiars]

Take a peek at this Stewey:
http://www.virginiamemory.com/blogs/fit-to-print/2012/05/18/conserving-to-preserve-or-ironing-newspapers/

and please let us know how it goes - sounds like an interesting read xx

[society]

Stews, you have all these interesting 'finds' around, do you live in a museum?:)

[stewey]

An interesting site, Peaspeculiars. But it doesn't really explain the technique very well, does it? The steamy bathroom sounds good. The paper, along with others, came from doing a renovation at the bar I go to.

[Ken4155]

Having been a painter and decorator for 30 odd years, i often used to come across old sheets of newspaper when stripping walls. There were odd occasions when the job was delayed because i was trying so hard to take the paper off gently in order for it to be read. From memory, the oldest pieces i found were from a Burnley Express edition from the late 50s. I also came across what my friend called "Irish wallpaper". On the back was printed instructions on how to paste and hang it!

[atalanta]

can I suggest you photograph it or xerox it before you iron it or damp it - just in case the print comes off ?

[stewey]

Good point, atalanta.

[joko]

no sure about the grease proof paper, i would use a sheet myself

but be quick so it doesnt brown the paper

i would test it out on a modern paper to see if it works

also if really creased try a steamer, then dry with an iron

[stewey]

Yes; I'll definitely practice on some other newspaper.

[trt]

Have you been able to read any interesting news stewey?

[stewey]

Actually, it's not a newspaper per se. It's an advertising supplement from a large department store that came inside a newspaper. The prices are interesting as are the clothing fashions. A ladies' wrist watch for $3.50; mens' suits for $15.00, and so on. I wouldn't imagine the the UK papers would have these ads in the papers during the war years.

[stewey]

Albaqwerty, I placed the twenty page paper opened to page ten flat on a board and then proceeded to have a really hot shower (and left the water in the tub) and left it in the room with the door closed. I checked it after about an hour, and there is a definite improvement in its appearance. Four or five of these "shower treatments" and then I 'll try the parchment paper. No hurry...It's been waiting seventy-two years for me to take care of it:) Thanks for the idea.

[albaqwerty]

Stewey, thanks for Besty

I have the occasional good idea which scares the beejabers out of me :-)

I hope it works when it's ironed out xx

[stewey]

With just one "steam" treatment it looks much better, and the prognosis looks good:). I wish that I had "before and after" pictures...Goodnight.

[albaqwerty]

nighty night Stewey xx

[DTCwordfan]

Alba gets her best ideas when she's pressed for time.......

[albaqwerty]

lol, very good DT x :-)

I really am offski,

sweet dreams everyone xxx

[tonyav]

'g nightski ah wench.