Hand making paper

After experimenting with techniques on how to make paper, I found the best way and developed my technique which I feel is best for preparing and making paper. I created a youtube video showing how I prepare for making paper.

I found this technique the most effective and easiest whilst also making it quite compact and this will help when coming to create my final piece and using this technique in the studio too. Making it more reasonable to have a small setup will make it easier to plan the process of paper making in my final exam.

 Due to me using relativly white paper to begin with, I can produce rather white paper without the need for bleaching. The final outcome is mostly white with scattered black spots, which are fro the print on the paper before, and some faded blue spots from bleeding pen ink. But I find these add to the texture and give the paper more depth. 

Below is the video of how to turn the pulp into sheets of paper.

When making plain paper, I guess it takes around 3-5 minutes per sheet. So when planing for my final I will have to calculate the most effective way to use my time over the 15 hours.

Using this basic technique I can develop it to try and experiment by embedding flowers and found objects into it. 

Reflections on making paper:

I found that this technique can be rather time consuming as if I rushed making the paper it tends to tear, which means I need to start over again. I found it diffecult to maintain an even thickness between sheets, as I have to remember to put more pulp in. As to keep a consistant amount of pulp will ensure the series of paper all feels the same, to ensure not one piece stands out more than another when being touched.

The texture of paper depends on how thouroghly I blend the pulp, the more I blend it the smaller the particles of paper, meaning when its dispersed in the water it create a finer grain paper, as opposed to a larger grain, which leaves a more bumpy texture.

In my experience I prefer using a finer grain so the paper is more smooth, and allows for the texture to be created by the embedded objects, which is what I plan to experiment with next.