handmade paper: raw plant fibers

raw flax

iris leaves

daylily leaves

Thai kozo

the first step is to weigh the dry fiber out to even pounds after any foreign materials have been removed.

the fibers are soaked overnight, then boiled with soda ash ( 3.5 oz. per 2 gallons water) in a stainless steel pot for two hours. the stew is allowed to cool overnight.

after a well rinse, the pH can be checked with strips such as these. a 7 or 8 is ideal.

when neutral pH is reached, the fibers are ready to be hand beaten. a Hollander beater is not necessary with raw plant fibers. a wooden cutting board and mallets will seperate the fibers. suspend a sample in a glass of water to visualize the amount of fiber seperation.

a decklebox is great for making raw fiber paper. pour in the pulp...

remove the deckle from the mould...

couch onto a blanket or bedsheet...

cover with second blanket, then press board...

the deckle box sits in a vat of water so the fibers can be suspended by hand. once the sheet is even, the box can be lifted out of the water to drain, then the deckle removed and etc.

these daylilies produce a very rich visual texture

daylily, iris, onion skin, corn husk, abaca, and hemp paper

daylily, iris, onion skin, corn husk, abaca, hemp, and black denim paper

!!! soda ash is very caustic - wear gloves and be careful - neutralize with vinegar before disposing of cook water !!!

press and dry, and you have a very natural appearing paper from your backyard and kitchen

2005-2006 Matthew Simpson