Petals and Pulp: Botanical Papermaking Workshops
The desire to create my own series of handmade papermaking workshops began when I studied alongside the nonprofit organization, Peace Paper Project, to learn about this art form. Handmade paper is an ancient art that has become harder to access the tools for as modern technology creates higher quantities of paper more quickly. I found such a beauty in being able to reuse recycled materials that would otherwise be wasted and transform their stagnant energy into something with new life. Something created by hand.
Each piece of paper is different and varies in texture and grain depending on the material used and who is creating the sheet. This brings a certain magic to the experience. My focus is in botanical papermaking. I offer workshops with various ages to introduce the basics of Traditional Western Papermaking. No matter the age, this process is a beautiful way to slow down, exist in the moment and create something meaningful that you can use creatively afterwards. This paper can be used to make cards, book bind, journal, or simply frame on the wall as a piece of art in itself. It is a fun and unique sensory experience for all!
Upcoming Events
Petals and Pulp: Botanical Papermaking Workshop
April 5th, 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Venue:
Wild Roots
1949 First Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33712
Welcome to Petals and Pulp! During this workshop, we will explore the ancient art of papermaking using botanicals.
Petals and Pulp approaches the art of papermaking in a new light, taking a more intuitive approach. Here, the botanical elements are intentionally chosen based on a deeper meaning. We embellish our paper with specific botanicals and herbs to create a sort of talisman that holds our own intuitive magic. The idea behind this offering is centered around a need to slow down and focus inward. To quiet our minds and listen to what calls us.
Papermaking is a therapeutic process involving water, a relaxing element, reminding us to let go, and connect with the moment. This process really encourages you to get into your body, lose yourself in the colors and textures. You cannot completely control the outcome of the paper, and that is part of what makes this process so healing. The intention, change, and transformation is in the unknown.
This workshop will be a creative space, set up as an open studio. This style of workshop allows you to individually explore what’s going on beneath the surface while creating handmade magic and learning a new artform at your own pace.
All are welcome to explore this new art, no experience necessary.
Come join us for this Botanical Papermaking experience!
FAQ:
*We will label each sheet of pulp as it is pressed so we know which pieces belong to you once they have been dried. You will receive information on when your paper will be ready for pick up during the workshop.
*Given the style of this workshop, you can stay for the full two hours and make as much paper as you would like for your journaling, stationary, spell paper, framing purposes~ or you can make a set amount of paper and head out when you feel satisfied. I always encourage making new connections and friends because we could all use a little more sense of creative and supportive community! But I am a big believer in listening to your body, so the workshop is set up in a way that allows you to make the experience your own based on your individual need and energy level that day.
Hope to see you there!
The Sunken Gardens: Petals and Pulp
A Botanical Papermaking Pop-Up
Saturday, March 22 10:30am -12:30pm
Donation based event: No sign up needed!
Get creative with this walk-up papermaking experience in the Gardens! Join local artist Payton Hurley as she leads guests through the ancient art of papermaking using the traditional western approach. Embellish your handmade paper with flower petals and transform banana leaf pulp into a work of art. Discover the therapeutic nature of this traditional craft as you relax and connect with the moment. (Note: Handmade paper takes a week to dry and finish. You will receive information on when your paper will be ready for pick up during the experience). Open to all ages and experience levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pre-registration required. Held outside in our shaded amphitheater. More details (including price) coming soon.
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Have you recently been a part of one of my papermaking workshops? I’d love to hear from you! Let me know here how your experience was and which workshop you were a part of. I really appreciate it, and your feedback will help with improvements to all future workshops!
Kids Papermaking Workshop
During this workshop we will explore a substance called pulp. Pulp is the raw material fiber that creates paper. It can consist of fabric, recycled paper, wheat, plant matter, the list goes on! The material is broken down so that the beaten fibers can rebond to create a new sheet of paper. It is a beautiful transformative art form. We will be using pulp created from recycled soy paper that has been donated by a local RISO print studio to keep the process as eco friendly as possible. During this workshop we will add fresh flower petals to the pulp to create beautiful botanical handmade paper that can then be used for handmade cards, notecards, or a meaningful decorative art piece in and of itself. Each sheet is unique and varies by nature due to the organic handmade process. This makes for an exciting reveal unique to each child when the process is complete. We will learn about the three main steps in the process of paper production. For the students, it will be a day of fun, messy, hands on experience in pulling, couching (derived from the French word “coucher” meaning “to lay”) and drying their very own paper.
*Please Include the age range of the group of children you are hoping to book the workshop for in your inquiry*
Adult Botanical Papermaking Workshop
During this workshop we will learn about the papermaking process and build on its variations using botanical elements. We will be using pulp created from recycled soy paper that has been donated by a local RISO print studio to keep the process as eco friendly as possible. During this workshop we will add fresh flower petals to the pulp to create beautiful botanical handmade paper that can then be used for handmade cards, notecards, or a meaningful decorative art piece in and of itself. Each sheet is unique and varies by nature due to the organic handmade process. This makes for an exciting reveal unique to each participant when the process is complete. We will learn about the three main steps in the process of paper production, and you will have a guided learning experience through the workshop.
There is an option to create an intentional intuitive floral experience where we include the meanings behind the flowers we are using, creating an intention behind the botanicals we select and combine throughout the process.
*Please Include the age range and nature of the event you are hoping to book the workshop for in your inquiry, as well as if you are interested in the Intuitive Floral Experience*
Adult Eco Printing Worshop
Eco printing is the art of transfering the natural dyes from various plants and botanical elements to fabrics. The nature of this process is grounding and resourceful. We use certain chemicals to create various designs and outcomes, such as watercolor effects and one to one printing.
*Each piece of fabric varies in its dyefast abilities (how well the material holds pigment.) You will recieve care taking instructions for your eco dyed fabrics after the workshop, but please keep in mind that the dye will change and evolve after you wash it and over time. This is the nature of eco dying, but it makes for a beautiful natural creation and one of a kind design. If you take care of your fabrics they should last you a long while!
