papermaking

10/2/2018

It might sound crazy but I have never had the opportunity to learn how to make my own paper. I surely knew the process, very close to the papier mache technique, I also like to use Nepalese and Lokta paper to cover my cardboard furniture, but I never made a single paper sheet myself!
The experience was very exciting.

I first watched videos and tutorials online. I saw people using newspaper, white paper, colored paper, even fabric, like denim! I also learned how to make your own mold.
A month ago, I borrowed a book at the library, "The Organic Artist" by Nick Neddo and read a lot about sustainable art, how to make your own paint, ink, and of course paper... It's fascinating!

I am now ready to build my mold. I went to the closest "second hand shop", and bought a blender and a picture frame. I had an old chair at home, and decided to use the fabric to cover the picture frame. Since we are about to change some of our defiant window screen, I cut a piece, and then cut rectangles in an old bedding linen to make my drying station.

I set up my Papermaking station, in my garage, and mixed newspaper and falling leaves in the blender to do my pulp. I poured the pulp in the vat, scooped my mold in the vat and.... nothing happened! The fabric that I used to build my mold was waterproof! (See the last picture, no water drops)

I switched the waterproof fabric for a bedding fabric and the water went through it, slowly. I noticed that even if I stapled the fabric very tight on the frame, a puddle was formed in the middle of my mold, it probably comes from the fact that that type of fabric is a little elastic. I finally drained my paper sheet with a sponge, and let it dry for 24 hours. It turned out beautiful!

It was such a great experience, I invited my kids to try it out and they really enjoyed it. We set up a station outside and played with paper, grass, faded flowers and leaves.
My next step is to improve my mold (why not a shape!) and add natural colors to my handmade paper.
I spread the word in my community, the school is interested in having an activity in Spring such as paper making, and I plan to share my learning with my upcoming classes.

4 Comments

Iván

10/5/2018 08:12:04 am

Great work Aline, I'm so glad that this was new to you and that it opened so many possibilities for you. Nick Neddo's book is great and we'll see some of his book later in the course. We actually follow each other on social media and I've learned a lot from his book.
A couple of things.. I love that you included those kids in your project and that you thought of your own way of making your mold etc. That is exactly the spirit of the work we're doing and you're capturing it really well. Beautiful photo too!
Just one suggestion (if I may), don't jump too quickly into buying things like a picture frame. I understand that to experiment and to get the project done is no big deal, but if you'll be teaching this to others or making it an ongoing practice try asking people around or check for wood in the trash, etc. there's always an old picture frame or canvas stretcher nobody wants - that's your paper making mold :)
thank you, great work Aline

Madeline

10/23/2018 09:35:44 pm

Hi Aline! Nice to meet you! Im interested to know more about this recycled cardboard you use as well! This paper making project looks like it was a really fun day and I really like the mixing of leaves in the paper!

Q. Did you get a chance to experiment with making the paper 3D ? Creating bowls and things like that out of this paper making process? I tried it once but it didn't seem to hold... possiblyIi was impatient and took it off the form too early..

Anyway, Great job! and congrats on bringing it to the school in the spring time!

Aline

10/27/2018 04:55:44 pm

Hi Madeline,
Thanks for your comment and your support.
I did try to make a bowl with the paper. Instead of letting it dry on a flat surface I put it on the back of a bowl. But it broke because It was stuck on the bowl.
I, for sure, will try it again!

nicole takasse

12/12/2018 06:05:16 am

aline!
I like the way your paper got white.
Some times we are always trying new things, colors and adding stuff on it that we forget beaty of the minimal.
Your paper looks very minimal and i loved.
but also, you got this color cause you use only one kind of paper right?
in my last project paper i tried with the paper i use to dry my hand on the toilet of the work, but it wasnt that white as yours!

papermaking

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