Modern Papermaking: Techniques in Handmade Paper

Professional papermaker Pike has written a marvelous starter guide to papermaking that will guide the hobbyist, from turning out their first primitive sheets to pricing their polished work for sale. The book documents the history of paper, describes the household equipment needed for production, and discusses the professional (and pricey) tools that are the standards for the industry. Pike gives alternatives for paper pulp, which range from purchased and recycled paper to detailed recipes for making one’s own pulp with a variety of plant materials. As crafters become more skilled, they can play with color, add-ins, and sculpting the pulp, all of which the book addresses. An excellent section details the problems and paper flaws one might encounter and provides solutions. Step-by-step photos clearly illustrate the processes, and the images of more advanced creations are inspirational. A glossary, index, resource list, and bibliography take this beyond the typical craft book.