Eastern Papermaking Techniques

Eastern paper, often identified as washi, is characterized by its both thin and strong properties and is commonly made from the inner bark of the mulberry bush. The method we will use, although Japanese, is applicable to all plant fibers. This class will go over all the steps in making paper in this method, starting with pulp preparation: cooking and scraping the fibers clean and then beating them into pulp. We will then form sheets using the nagashizuki method with flexible screens as it is practiced in Japan. We will make as many sheets as time allows from both abaca (known as either Manila Hemp or banana fibers) and kozo (mulberry fibers). A materials fee of $40 per student is payable to the instructor at the start of the workshop.

Instructor: Sarah Ann Austin

Thursdays [2 weeks] September 28 – October 5: 6:30 – 9:00pm

Skill Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Previous Hand Papermaking or similar workshop experience required.

Class fees by level:   NC State Students – $55      Public – $70