Making Paper & Books with Plants of Appalachia

Process, community and collaboration will be the themes of this 2 part workshop. Starting with raw materials, we will transform plants into sheets of paper and bind them into handmade books. In the first session, we will learn the details of harvesting, cooking, and blending plant fibers into a workable pulp. Get hands-on in the vats of pulp to collectively pull sheets of paper from 3 common plant species. Working together, the group will produce shared stacks of paper for bookbinding. In session two, we will transform the handmade paper to create a series of hand stitched pamphlet books that can used for drawing and journaling, or as a reference for future paper making explorations. Participants will work together to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Everyone will take home at least 2 books, reference handouts, and the skills to make plant based paper and pamphlet books on their own.

Level: Beginning

Materials Fee:  $20 for paper pulp from local plants, abaca and cotton, needle, thread, additional paper vats, felts, mould and deckles

Registration: Members $100, Non-members $120

Instructor:  Alyssa Sacora