Sara Garden Armstrong, an internationally renowned artist whose exhibiting career and studio work with handmade paper processes spans over 50 years, leads this one-day program. The workshop begins with a brief introduction to Armstrong’s work, with hands-on examples. Then participants will focus on learning, observing, and making unique paper objects to explore the processes of pigment staining, pulp-pouring, pulp painting, and collage techniques on pre-formed sheets of paper.

Explore the properties of abaca, a beautiful translucent paper fiber with a high a high shrinkage rate, while making small sculptural objects. Participants will pull sheets of abaca paper and then experiment with placing wire or string between the layers, so that as the paper dries it will be transformed into unique sculptural forms. All supplies provided and all levels of experience welcome. 

Create two illuminated paper structures in this day-long experience with internationally renowned artist Helen Hiebert. We’ll begin with the Party Light, a simplified version of the collapsible chochin lanterns originally hung outside of shops in Japan. Collage paper onto a simple reed armature and add a hanging mechanism so that your lantern can be hung, carried, or placed on a surface. We’ll also create a lightweight Inflatable Ball, and we’ll explore ways to shape the panels to create a variety of lantern forms.

The Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking is excited to welcome internationally renowned paper artist Radha Pandey for a one-day experience. In this workshop, participants will learn how to extract dyes using natural materials for application on paper. Processes such as brush-dyeing, estimating the amount of dyestuff needed for projects, and use of the best types of mordants and their results will be taught. Discussion and demonstration about what types of handmade papers work best and why will be part of the experience as well.

We are excited to have guest Artist Kelly Taylor Mitchel back for a papermaking workshop at the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking. In this two-hour workshop, participants will be introduced to blow out and deckle box papermaking techniques using flax and other fibers. This workshop is ideal for those with sheet formation experience, but beginners are welcome. Blow out and deckle box techniques bring collage methods to the vat and spark layering and material play.

When learning how to make a book with a decorative sewn binding, the sewing card is a wonderful and useful tool to aid you in mastering simple to advanced sewing patterns. Practicing the mechanics of any sewing on a piece of two-dimensional card is tantamount to working on an actual book.  

In this one-day workshop, participants will learn how to form sheets of washi, or Japanese paper, using the nagashizuki sheet formation technique. We will cover how to prepare fiber, form sheets using a sugeta, and then press and dry sheets to make quality washi. Participants can expect to make their own set of washi sheets featuring the texture, luster, strength, and beauty that distinguishes it from other types of paper. All skill levels welcome and all materials provided.

Artists and engineers have long created amazing automata that imitate living things, perform complicated movements, and tell stories. In this workshop participants will make their own animal automation and learn how mechanical elements like crankshafts and cams transform a crank’s spinning motion, to an up-and down movement. Participants will also explore Build It: Carboard Creations exhibition to gain inspiration for their design. A cat automation template will be provided, but participants may make their own creature design.

Interested in letterpress printmaking? Join this workshop with guest artist Bryan Baker and make your own creative calling card as a gift for a friend, family member, or for yourself. Learn to set type by hand using different typefaces and then print an edition of calling cards with a clam shell press. Experience a historic tradition in contemporary times. Students are encouraged to bring a fun 2–4-word catch phrase or motto ready to be included on their calling card.  

Transform traditional bark fiber into bark paper and delicate lace. Participants will make sheets from the cooked inner bark of Kozo plants and use a shaped stone as a beating implement to form sheets. Participants will also learn to create lace Kozo and use it to make 3-D forms.  Explore the museum’s current exhibition Bark Rhythms, which focuses on bark paper and bark cloth traditions from Mexico, Hawaii, the Polynesian Islands, Indonesia, and Uganda.