KODAMA PAPERMAKING
Hand Papermaking
Learning Opportunities
PULP PAINTING
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​​In this hands-on papermaking class, we will work with pigmented pulps as medium for painting. We’ll form sheets of paper, design imagery and visual structure, work with paint brushes, squeeze bottles of color, pulp pouring, wet collage, laminations, and use of stencils and watermark effects.
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This is a creative and colorful class offering a terrific introduction to more of what hand papermaking has to offer for your work.​​​ ​​
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INTRODUCTION TO HAND PAPERMAKING
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Explore hand papermaking using pure plant fibers and learning recyclable pulp options, tools and equipment used, sheet forming and decorative techniques, use of pigment for color, pressing and drying options, and discover inherent creative possibilities found in paper made by hand.
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PLANTS TO PAPER MAKING
(local plants - invasive & non-invasive)
We often think that handmade paper can only be made with fiber sourced from cotton or linen . But there is an enormous amount of enthusiastic experimentation going on all over the world to turn all sorts of vegetation, including invasive species, into paper. In this class we compare plant varieties and the steps involved in their assessment and transformation from raw fiber to finished sheets of paper. This is a great way to learn about the basics of papermaking processes and to begin seeing your back yard plants and weeds as a source of cellulose fiber. ​​​
FORMS IN LUMINOUS PAPER
Enjoy a few hours immersed in hand papermaking using translucent papers you have made in class. We'll form sheets of varying thicknesses and develop an understanding of applying these to forms through a variety of techniques and with varying mould types and a few additives. Explore delicate interplay between paper and light while discovering how translucency and texture can affect each creation’s aesthetic qualities. Be prepared to take home a few light-inspired forms and too many new project ideas.​​​
INTRODUCTION to
JAPANESE PAPERMAKING
Handmade paper made in Japan, washi, is well known for its translucency, strength, and absolute beauty. Learn how washi is made, using both a Japanese mould (sugeta) and western mould adaptations. We will explore some of the best suited fibers, their preparation, sheet formation, decorative options and drying techniques. We will cover a few different East Asian papermaking techniques and the influences from which Japanese papermaking technique evolved. In this one day class, you will make a lovely batch of paper and gain new understanding into the unique and complex characteristics inherent in this most revered form of paper.
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BOOKS in BASIC
Book forms and the tools and techniques involved can be wonderfully elaborate or surprisingly simple. In this class, learn some essential basics to complete one sweet book by day's end. From the techniques used in making this book, you will gain an understanding with which to tackle other book structures that may intrigue you as well as acquiring a new appreciation of just how intricate and precise are the works of master bookbinders and conservators. This class will open your mind and ability level to the infinite and fun world of book binding.
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