Plants to Paper: Papermaking with Natural Fibers

Explore the art of hand papermaking, from preparing the pulp to forming sheets and drying. Learn to identify, harvest, and process natural fibers to create handmade paper. Students will identify and work with various plant fibers suitable for papermaking, including flax, cotton, hemp, and abaca. Gaining an understanding of papermaking practices while learning fiber extraction and processing methods, including beating, retting, and cooking, this class will focus on ecological responsibility and sustainable harvesting practices while making paper by hand. Students will explore the principles of sustainable harvesting and ethical sourcing of other natural materials, such as flower petals, leaves, and fibers, to incorporate into handmade paper. Included: $20 materials fee