Papermaking 101

Are you curious about the magical process of making paper?

This workshop will give you hands-on experience in transforming paper and card waste into beautiful sheets of paper, with plenty of hands-on time to practice the finer skills of ‘couching’ sheets of paper.

You don’t need any papermaking experience but keep in mind that papermaking is quite a physical activity and you’ll be on your feet a lot during the workshop.

You’ll learn:

• All about the papermaking process – history, technical terminology, equipment and materials used.
• How to make paper pulp from used paper products including discussion on the best sources of paper to use.
• The technique to form sheets as well as sizing, decorative elements, pulp painting, and creating sheets of paper including dipping and laminating.

You’ll have time to practice forming your own sheets including pressing and drying. All paper made can be taken home.

We’ll supply:  Paper pulp made from archival framing mats.  Inclusions such as flower petals, threads, and botanical pulp.  Use of all equipment including blenders, vats, moulds & deckles, and hydraulic press.

You’ll need to bring:

• Nametag. Apron or wear old clothes. Sneakers are recommended as you’ll be on your feet and your shoes might get wet.
• An old cotton bedsheet cut into rectangles 28cm x 46cm (for your felts). You’ll need 15-20 pieces.
• A piece of thick cardboard covered with a plastic bag to carry home your lovely (but damp) paper. It needs to be slightly bigger than your felts.
• Your lunch and drinks.

This material list will be confirmed prior the workshop.