Create Franken Papers + Use Up Paper Scraps

Over the past year, the video that I’ve been asked to film the most is a tutorial for my Franken papers. They first started showing up publicly in my work during the BB Bash at the beginning of the year. And when I tell you I hardly ever reach for a “regular” sheet of paper any more, it’s the truth. I am obsessed with the automatic texture that accompanies this technique.

↓ Keep scrolling for video tutorial ↓

 
 
 
 

I like to think of this process as a puzzle that I'm putting all the different pieces together — but there's no predefined ending. Which means whatever I put together is actually the right solution.

✓ easy, meditative process — check
✓ use up the overflowing pile of scraps (who am I kidding — there are multiple piles) — check
✓ add texture without even trying — check
✓ create the perfect substrate for future work — check
✓ quick satisfaction, and the ability to be portable — check

Okay, you may be wondering — what are Franken papers??

Random leftover bits, pieced together to form a larger piece.

These pieces can be attached together in any way you can think of. There is no right or wrong. Simple and reliable methods like glue and tape. Texture-adding ways like hand or machine stitching. Or out-of-the-box ways like straight pins or safety pins. Seriously, anything goes.

 
 
Watch Franken Papers Tutorial
 
 

There is such a freedom and satisfaction that comes from this process.

  1. Using the multitude of scraps that I can’t bear to part with.

  2. Putting them together in a way where there is no right or wrong.

  3. And finally, actually using them for future projects.

Franken papers truly hit the trifecta for me.

Sometimes a process can be enjoyable but then thoughts of “what am I going to use this for?” stop us in our tracks. When all of these elements come together it feels like such a huge, satisfying win.

(BTW, I’m a big advocate for the idea that not everything needs to serve a “purpose” beyond the enjoyment we feel while creating — but sometimes this is easier said than done.)

 
 
 

Franken Papers =

Leftover scraps, attached together to form a larger piece.

 
 
 

In this YouTube video, I show you just some of the ways you can start creating your own Franken papers (I sometimes refer to them as patchwork papers, as they can remind me of a patchwork quilt).

I also show a few “finished” examples of how I created with these newly made substates in my work. When you finish watching this video, you may be left with a curiosity about how you can use these in your art practice.

My biggest tip, is to think about Franken papers as no different than an unaltered piece of paper.

You can — and should — use these papers just like you would any “regular” sheet of paper in your art practice. This is often the biggest mental hurdle people need to get past after I share this method with them, so if that’s you, you’re not alone.

This means you can use Franken papers for (but not limited to)

  • gelli plate printing

  • mark making

  • journal pages

  • collage

  • and my personal favorite — messy, inky, drippy papers. (You can see how I first created messy, inky papers in an earlier tutorial. My style has evolved a lot since then, but it’s still a fun watch and a great glimpse into how that process started for me.)

I’ll be showing you more ways to use Franken papers in your art in the very first prompt during the 3rd Annual BB Bash. Which takes place from February 1-14, 2026. Join the waitlist here.

And P.S. — if this style of working interests you, I’d recommend making a few Franken papers ahead of time before BB Bash begins.

 
 
Mixed Media TutorialsBrooke HenryComment