Papermaking with Plants at Langstaff S.S.

As part of my Artist In Education 2015-2016 program with the Ontario Arts Council, students made paper from plants to use in their lanterns. Students made paper from milkweeds, cedar, and daffodil fibers.

Student stripping cedar fiber for papermaking

Papermaking station set-up

Sheet forming

Milkweed paper is brushed on to a flat surface to dry

Daffodil paper 

Artist In Education 2014-2015

I like to take a moment to thank the Ontario Arts Council for letting me be apart of the Artist-In-Education program during the school year 2014-2015. During this school year I was at Danforth C.T.I., and Humberside C.I. demonstrating the techniques used to create a paper light sculpture. It has been a wonderful learning experience not only for the students, but also for myself as well!

Artist In Education 2013-2014

Thank-you Ontario Arts Council for giving me the Artist-in-Education grant for the school year 2013-2014. This grant has allowed me to teach the skills and techniques of building a light sculpture to six high schools in Ontario. 

During the 5 day workshop, the students are taught how to use the materials to form the structure, and the techniques of applying the tissues. Here are some pictures of the workshop and some students' work. 

It's Harvest Time! Papermaking with Plants — Phase 1

It's that time of the year when I start harvesting milkweed fibers for paper making to use in my light sculptures, such as Solo Pacifica, which I made using the Japanese kozo plant. I'll need plenty since in addition to my own art, I will again be teaching my craft to high school students across South Simcoe and the GTA as part of the Ontario Arts Council's Artist in Education program.

Autumn is the ideal time for harvesting milkweed—when their growing season is over and just before their pods begin to open. The milkweeds in my garden didn't grow too well this year. Maybe it's because I started the seedlings too late into the season.

With a grocery bag and a pair of garden clippers; my husband, baby and I headed into the woods in search of milkweeds on a beautiful Wednesday evening.

My milkweeds didn't grow too well in my garden.

We met a little friend. Maybe he'll want to take a papermaking workshop with me!

Milkweeds are stripped of leaves and pods. Branches are cut to fit into a steamer.

After steaming, the fibers are stripped from their woody cores.

Fibers are dried, then stored until I'm ready to use them.

The woody cores will make perfect kindling for fall bonfires!

The seeds will be sprinkled in my garden for next year.

Artist In Education September 2013 – June 2014

A student finishing up her light sculpture at Alexander Mackenzie High School.

I'm happy to announce, with support from the Ontario Arts Council, that I'll will be holding a Paper Light Sculpture workshop at six high schools throughout Ontario.

I will be contacting schools beginning September 2013, but if you have a school that would like to be on my contact list, please let me know and I will get in touch with them.