Richard Lee Papermaking Workshop With Colored Fibers and/or Embedding

Papermaking With Colored Fibers and/or Embedding

Students learn how paper fibers are dyed with colorants, both with non-toxic chemical dyes and natural dyes. Mordants are discussed. Sheets with colored fibers are formed. Then colored fibers are used for decorative papers using techniques from Japan as well as other methods.

A process of printing is presented. This process is similar to silk-screening and uses stencils which are cut out by the students. Shapes can be realistic or abstract.

Colored fibers embedded with mica and
bleached kozo - detail from "The River".

STUDENTS:

3-4 in studio, 15-25 in schools

NEEDED AT THE SITE:

Two tables, library size. Access to electricity and a source of water. A 6-inch pile of newspaper.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To demonstrate and explain how to dye fibers.

2. To show various decorative techniques in the papermaking process.

3. Students create their own papers using these techniques.

4. To embed found objects and other materials - dried flowers, leaves, mica, feathers, or driftwood - some found and brought to class by students, into sheets of paper.