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. 

Inspired by the Jacob’s Ladder technique, this box is a double-hinged container made of book board wrapped in beautiful decorative paper. It's double hinge allows the two halves of the box to open and rotate all the way around each other. Click on the video link below to see how the box rotates as it opens. Join us for this workshop and learn the magic of box making. All materials provided and all skills welcome!

Suminagashi means “Ink floating on water,” and is the Japanese form of paper marbling. In this evening workshop you will learn the basics of this techniques, and make your own beautiful marbled creations. All supplies will be provided and are included in the cost of the workshop. Join us for some marvelous marbling! 

Want to learn how to cast solid forms out of paper? Then join us for this workshop where participants will have the opportunity to explore the unique nature of paper as a casting medium. Students will learn how to capture texture and dimension with paper pulp from provided molds. All materials provided and all skill levels welcome.