Displays about the history of papermaking, equipment used, and contemporary designs with handmade paper decorate the stand, and people can gain insight into how they might start their own papermaking unit at home or in their school.

Papermaking in Public Places

Specially devised to be eye-catching and appealing, papermaking in public places always attracts lots of attention, since it is fascinating to watch as well as to “have a go”.  Using simple papermaking screens and a food liquidiser, everyone sees how handmade paper is made from recycled paper pulp. By adding different colours of recycled papers, as well as flowers, organic, and found materials, every new piece of handmade paper that gets made is it different from the one before. Observers are also encouraged to try their own hand at making a sheet, which is exciting for both adults and children alike.  In a relatively short period of time, (it takes about 10 – 20 minutes depending on the size of the group) participants are shown how to form their paper,  press it, and process it for drying.  Sheets are then wrapped up and taken home where they can be dried.    Finished pieces can then be used for a wide variety of tasks, like writing, painting, scrapbooking  and printing. The whole process in ongoing throughout the day, so people can dip in and out again as they like.

The demonstration stand can be set up almost anywhere, and  is well received in festivals, celebrations, themed events and craft fairs. Parents see it as a place to take their children whilst they go off for a short spell of shopping or socialising, but they also enjoy learning  about the whole process and seeing  it in action, and can usually be tempted to have a go themselves !

A minimum of 5 x 6foot long tables are required, in an area of about 10’ x 22’,  as well as 500 watts of power and a nearby source of fresh water. The papermaking stand can be run inside or outside, but some form of shelter is necessary as gusty winds can be a problem .