The Papermaker's Companion: The Ultimate Guide to Making and Using Handmade Paper [Paperback]

Helen Hiebert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2000

This valuable reference covers everything, from the basics to more advanced techniques like shaped sheets, embossing, laminating, and watermarking. Included are extensive step-by-step instructions on processing pulp, building papermaking equipment, and making paper-based projects like cards, lamp shades, and sculpture.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This guide by papermaking artist Hiebert (Papermaking with Plants) goes beyond most books on handmade paper by including detailed instructions for making equipment and for using unusual fibers as a source of pulp. Instructions for both Western-style (European) and Eastern-style (Japanese) papers are covered. Some projects are included, but the emphasis is on processes and techniques. This good, basic manual is suitable for all crafts collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

Learn the Popular Craft of Papermaking from an Expert

* Make stunning, colorful papers from recycled junk mail

* Set up or even build your own inexpensive equipment

* Emboss, laminate, and watermark your papers

* Harvest your own plants for papermaking as the ancients did

* Learn to paint and even sculpt with pulp

* Craft unforgettable flower petal cards and stationery

* Share the fun of papermaking with children

* Make paper photo frames, books, lampshades, and more

With clear, easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations, expert Helen Hiebert covers every imaginable aspect of creating one-of-a-kind papers and using those papers in fun, creative, and beautiful ways. With techniques ranging from beginning to advanced, this essential handbook is sure to be one that paper crafters return to again and again.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; Third Printing edition (May 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580172008
• ISBN-13: 978-1580172004
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best all around book about the entire papermaking process, September 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Papermaker's Companion: The Ultimate Guide to Making and Using Handmade Paper (Paperback)

This book takes one through the entire process of making paper. It describes how to process the fibers, how to put together the equipment, how to make paper from plants, etc. helen has painstakingly described each step in simple easy to follow and understand language. Even for people who have made paper before, this book will become your bible and companion when you venture into making paper. In addition, Ms Hiebert provides guidlines and projects for using the paper that you make. I have several books on papermaking and this one is the best.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lives up to its title, December 31, 2005

By 

J. E. Patterson "fine art photographer" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Papermaker's Companion: The Ultimate Guide to Making and Using Handmade Paper (Paperback)

This book contains probably all the technical information you will need to make your own paper from any number of materials -- whether you are starting by recycling paper from your waste bin, or going out into the wild and harvesting the plants yourself. Diagrams are included for most equipment, from simple deckles to elaborate vacuum presses. Included also are the most extensive instructions I've ever seen on how to do large-scale casting, via armature and otherwise. If you are seriously interested in papermaking, you cannot go wrong with this book.

If you are already making paper and looking for project ideas, there are a few, but that isn't really the point of this book. Includes an index and resource guide

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This IS the ultimate guide, October 28, 2005

By 

christine harrison (donington on bain, louth United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Papermaker's Companion: The Ultimate Guide to Making and Using Handmade Paper (Paperback)

I have many books on papermaking and this is the one I always turn to when I am making paper. It has clear instructions for beginners and experienced papermakers alike and the little info boxes in the margins are especially helpful. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to any would-be papermaker.