Workshop for handmade paper

As you enter this special workshop you will discover several amazing paper making techniques. The paper maker will demonstrate various paper making techniques with surprising materials: celery, nettle, leek…

Let yourself be carried away by the passion of this craftsman and do not hesitate to put your hands in the tub and make your own sheet of paper.

In half an hour you will go through all the most important steps in the production process:

Supplies:

Pulp : This is a mixture of water and fibers (such as cotton, linen, or recycled paper) that have been finely ground.

Scoop frame and deck frame : A shovel frame is a wooden frame with a fine mesh stretched over it, and a deck frame is an identical frame without mesh.

Barrel : A large barrel or tub to hold the pulp.

Drying sheets : Absorbent sheets of paper or felt to dry the created paper.

Sponge : For removing excess water.

Steps in Paper Creation:

Preparation of the Pulp

Fiber Soaking : Soak the fibers (such as cotton or linen rags) in water to soften them.

Fiber Grinding : Grind the fibers into a fine pulp. This can be done by hand with mortars or in modern times with a pulp mill.

Mixing with Water : Mix the pulp with a large amount of water in a vessel to create an even mixture.

Scooping the Pulp

Scoop frame Dipping : Hold the scoop frame horizontally with the cover frame on top and immerse it in the drum with pulp.

Scooping and Shaking : Scoop the frame by moving the barrel back and forth so that an even layer of pulp is deposited on the mesh. Carefully lift the window out of the water while keeping it horizontal.

Removing the cover frame : Remove the cover frame, so that you only have the scoop frame with the pulp layer.

Drain and Dry

Draining : Allow the water to drain through the mesh, leaving a moist fibrous layer.

Transfer to Drying Sheet : Invert the scoop frame onto a drying sheet or felt and press gently to release the pulp from the mesh and remain on the drying sheet.

Water Removal : Use a sponge to gently squeeze excess water from the pulp without disturbing the fibers.

To dry

Stacking : Stack multiple layers of dryer sheets with pulp, separated by absorbent paper or felt.

Pressing : Use a press to compress the pile and remove more water.

Air Drying : Remove the wet sheets from the stack and hang them or lay them flat to continue air drying.

Finish off

Pulp Smoothing : Once the sheets are dry, they can be smoothed with a polishing stone or roller.

Edge Cutting : The edges can be trimmed for a neat finish.

This artisanal process results in unique, handmade paper that can vary in texture, thickness and color depending on the fibers used and the creator's technique. It is often used for art, calligraphy, and special book projects because of its unique properties and aesthetic value.

Willem Vandenameele