Hand made Indian
Papers.
Hand made papers from India are produced by reducing cotton waste
to pulp. Cotton papers are superior in both strength and
durability to wood pulp based papers, which contain high
concentrations of acids. Each stage of the process is completed
manually by skilled artisans. The sheets are then hung to dry,
then rolled to flatten them before being trimmed. The English
word 'paper' is derived from the Egyptian use of Papyrus.
The earliest recorded forms of paper were in use in Egypt around
3500 BC which were made from the papyrus plant.
The paper is cologically
sensitive. it is 'tree free' using 100% recycled
materials and no toxic chemicals are used. They are therefore
acid free and lignan free. During manufacture, other natural
materials such as straw, grass, jute, wool, silk waste, leaves
and flower petals may be added, producing extra artistic
texture.
Cotton Papers have excellent
tensile strength. There is no match for its strength and
durability. Cotton Papers are also ideal for achival purposes
and are known to have lasted several hundred years without either
fading of losing their colouring. The natural beauty of the paper
is then enhanced by a range of decorative finishes. designs and
patterns, ranging from very simple to highly elaborate, may be
added by techniques such as block printing or screen printing in
a variety of media like coloured dyes, guttes, flock, dew-drop
or combinations of them. Paper finishes can be plain or metallic,
or the paper may be embossed, adding a further beautiful
dimension to the texture. These unique and beautiful papers will
enhance any paper craft project.
Create beautiful gift boxes:
Cover them with a beautiful Indian handmade paper, then finish it
with an edging and beaded braid in a complimentary or contrasting
colour.
The different types of
Indian handmade papers are.
Flock Papers:
This paper usually has a 'raised felt finish or pattern'
to it.
Cotton paper:
Cotton Paper:
Embossed paper:
Cotton Paper:
Dew-Drop paper:
Cotton Paper:
Silk paper:
Hand made Silk papers, feel more like fabric, A range of colours
are made more beautiful by the application of a variety of design
finishes. Its texture makes it ideal for a range of projects,
such as unique cards and scrapbook pages. Make distinctive
wedding invitations, place cards and settings. Try making a
lampshade that is not only unique but helps support cottage
industries.
