Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

I received this book as a gift and I really like it. I am a brand new papermaker and was able to use this book right away and make a recycled paper batch that looked great. The details about making a mould and presses really helped. I recommend this book not only because it has the basics but it also has intermediate concepts.

Update 10/08 I guess the book didn't inspire me enough to keep going with it. After my first review I've only picked it up one other time.

This book assumes you know nothing about hand making paper. It explains each step and gives you the terminology.

Finally, I found a book that isn't about pretty pictures and way out there techniques. This book is about making paper. Helen gives you all the nuances necessary to make paper on your own. This is a comprehensive, information-packed book that is THE must-have for any beginner or even intermediate. Too many books show us beautiful photos of great art work but neglect to give us those finer details that would make our efforts a success. This book shows you how to succeed.

I checked the Papermaker's Companion out of the library just for some basic information about paper making. I found myself referring to it so often that I renewed the loan. And again. Finally, I broke down and bought my own copy. The recipes and instructions are clear and fairly comprehensive. The book contains at least a basic explanation of everything from using recycled paper to making your own pulp from plants and leaves. The projects are interesting and clearly explained. This is a good reference book for experienced paper makers and a good beginner's guide for those just starting out. Although it does contain a few projects for kids, this book is more appropriate for older teens and adults.

This is a great book on paper making, with a few caveats. Sometimes the descriptions are so complicated they are very hard to follow (how to make frames), and there are a lot of directions where it seems to be assumed that we know a lot of information (i.e. it says to use wheat paste to make papyrus, but doesn't tell you where to get wheat paste. I had to get a recipe off the internet). Overall, this is a great book, though.

This is a comprehensive little book for those who want to learn about making paper! The title says it all. It is pretty clear; both in its instructions as well as detailing the material needed. It can guide you through something simple that will leave you with a piece of paper so you can say "I did it" and its not for me. Or, help you set up a full studio so you can really get into making paper for art, for gift giving, for writing, for what ever purpose. If the latter becomes your passion, then you will probably have to move on to something more detailed for expanding your craft. This is a nice, basic beginner book, although not a "papermaking for dummies" level. Read it through, figure out where you want to start, and give it a try!

This book approaches paper making in a way that is so simple anyone can manage it. It explains the process in a readable way and inserts interesting bits of history and background on the way.