Since I am in papermaking mode today (as stated in the Morning Readings) and gearing up for reams and reams of lovely handmade paper, the Question of The Day is:
What are your hobbies?
I discovered papermaking through a mediocre Arnold Grummer-style hour-long class. It was a basic pour method with simple inclusions. It was great for a beginner or an elementary student. Only after LOTS of research did I discover all the intricacies, fibers, and techniques necessary for creating a true quality piece of paper. Anyone who decides to pursue a craft or hobby develops their own techniques (shortcuts) and what works for them. While I would love a Hollander beater to BEAT my own fibers, the cost outweighs usage. Plus, I am sure the neighbors would think I was concocting METH in my converted garage/studio if I started cooking fibers. HA! I like to buy pulp in pails from Twinrocker or use something called pulp-sheets which are already beaten and formed into thick pieces. I just soak them in water and beat with a drill attachment. I am also a big a fan of recycled materials. My precious Dunhill boxes make a lovely sheet of creamy paper with flecks of gold and red. While not practical for writing, they are just pretty. I get more enjoyment from making a sheet of paper than any practical purpose. It is about escape and relaxation more so than any commercial facet. When making a routine sheet of paper, I like a particular blend: 1/3 Abaca or hemp, 1/3 cotton and a 1/3 Spanish flax. Those fibers work best for me. I have a durable piece of paper and I can use various pigments for color. Henna, cochineal bugs, and indigo make lovely shades. I am a big fan of pearlescent pigments that add a shimmer to paper. I guess that is the gay boy in me. I am still an amateur so you won't see me in the pages of Hand Papermaking.
Here are some early examples as they are all I can find on this computer. I am a lazy sort and once I resume my papermaking, after a year off, I will post my creations. The studio is clean and ready to go!
These are part of the Earth series where I swirled various colored pulps in the vat. Yes, I believe there is a black continent somewhere. HA!
This is a piece of paper embedded with dried Spanish moss.
That is all I have for now kittens. Hopefully I can share more in the upcoming weeks.
