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
September 8th, 2024
2:00 PM - 4:00 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 with the traditional western approach.
I have envisioned making the process of this ancient art more intuitive, an experience where we are intentionally choosing elements of nature that have a deeper meaning and embellishing our paper with their petals 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, which increases our ability to relax, let go, and connect with the moment. This process really encourages you to get into your body, lose yourself in the colors and textures, and let go. You cannot completely control the outcome of the paper, and that is what makes the process so beautiful. The intention, change, and transformation is in the experience.
This workshop will be a creative space to individually explore whats going on beneath the surface (a suggestion for intuitive exploration on your own through the process, there are no group sharing sessions in this particular series), while creating something by hand.
All are welcome to explore this new art without expectation, no prior 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. The paper takes a week to dry and finish. You will receive information on when your paper will be ready for pick up during the workshop!
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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!
