Spiral Curriculum

Papermaking has made its glorious return after a year off. I have determined that I will offer papemaking every other year, and alternate it with batik. Both of these ephemeral centers feature processes that take extensive set-up, some safety training, and tend to dominate the room. 

two tone paper

 It is interesting to observe the different approaches and products of students who are first-timers, those just testing the water, devoted papermakers using the center each day, and old hands who have experienced papermaking previously. Like any technique, there is a learning curve, and students need to practice the basics before they become innovators.

Rainbow paper

 Like many artists, my students sometimes design tools to aid them in their work.  Here (left) a student devised a separator so that more than a single color-pulp could be poured into the deckle (paper mold).

inset circle

Students who have the opportunity to return to a medium or technique over time gain facility and look for ways to make their work unique, interesting and innovative. 

This 8th Grader is using a collection of her handmade papers to create a product for a Social Studies assignment

A small hand-bound book sits atop a pile of handmade papers (Grade 8). We use our antique book press to flatten the papers and resulting books.