Paper making

Kathy’s handmade paper pieces are created from oriental kozo, gampi and mitsumata fibers . In their raw form they look as if they are dried reeds or fronds from plants.  Kathy first soaks the fibers for 24 hours.  Next they are boiled in a bath of water with soda ash for eight hours.  Then the fibers are thoroughly rinsed clean.and are hand cleaned to remove any impurities.  Following the bathing and rinsing, they are ready for beating.

A small amount of the prepared fiber is added to a blender full of water and blended for one minute.  That pulp is added to a vat where a mold  and deckle is used to form the paper sheets.  The mold and deckle is dipped into the solution of fibers, pulp and water.  The mold is then raised and the collected fibers are gently shaken to align them.  After draining, the top section of the mold can be removed.  The bottom section holds the collected wet fibers.  The wet paper sheet is then transferred  to a cloth foundation.  The sheets are placed over various surfaces while damp to create texture and depth.

Color is created by using solar painting methods.  Silk fibers, gem stones and glass beads are sewn into the papers for added texture.  Often metal leaf  and found objects are used to embellish the surface.

Process