Paper-Making Workshop (ScribeCraft II)
Before paper filled our notebooks and printers, it was made by hand—pressed from pulp, fibers, and plant materials into pages that carried stories, laws, and dreams. In this hands-on workshop, participants will step into the role of early paper makers, transforming recycled scraps and natural fibers into beautiful, functional sheets of paper.
Drawing from traditions around the world—from Chinese mulberry bark to European rag pulp—we’ll explore the craft and history of handmade paper, while learning the science behind pulp formation, sheet formation, and drying.
(This is the second workshop in the ScribeCraft Series, exploring the history of the written word. These workshops can be run as a complete series or as standalone events.)
? What We’ll Cover:
- How paper evolved from earlier writing surfaces (papyrus, parchment, bark)
- Blending and straining pulp using recycled materials
- Forming, pressing, and drying handmade paper sheets
- Decorative options with petals, seeds, and texture tools
? Ideal For:
- Ages: Adult
- Libraries, museums, homeschool groups, eco programs, and creative workshops
- Indoor or outdoor settings with access to water and tables
- Programs focused on sustainability, global traditions, or the history of books
? Educational Themes:
- Global history of writing materials
- Sustainability and fiber reuse
- Material science of pulp, water, and drying
- Tactile creativity and expressive surfaces
? We Provide:
- Prepared pulp (recycled paper + optional plant fibers)
- Screens, cloths, and molds for paper forming
- Tools for texturing and decorating sheets
- Optional handouts on paper history and cultural variations
? Workshop Length: 120 minutes