Waterproofing /parasol renovation

[ex-milk-this716.livejournal.com]

I have recently acquired a couple bamboo parasols whose paper coverings have seen better days. I have a nice one that I made a removable velvet and lace cover for that works very nicely but this time I'd like to make something a little more water resistant. One I just want to cover with treated fabric. For the other the thought is to wind up with a water durable Edward Gorey design. The main problem is that whatever I use to cover it cannot be too stiff, or the parasol won't open and close, so many paints and traditional decoupage is out. I was wondering if perhaps I could print the design on rice paper and apply some sort of finish. Also, I'm not really interested in spending major $ on silk screening. I have a coat made out of PVC coated linen that seems to be fairly flexible. Any ideas?