Handmade Forsythia Paper

This sculpture, Whisp, is decorated with forsythia fibers. The process took two days — and yields only 5 thin sheets of paper! I do like the whispy texture it gives, so I'll give this plant another try ... one day.

Below are the steps I took from harvesting the fibers, to making the paper.

Materials:

Stainless steel stock pot
Soda ash
Stir stick
Digital Scale
Papermaking mold and deckle
Large basin
Cloths

Step 1
I went outside with garden snipers and began clipping off thick branches from my forsythia bush. Don't clip thin branches — they have less fibers. Look for branches that are about 1 inch thick.

I collected as enough branches to fit into my steamer.

Step 2
Cut at 45 degree angle (to help peeling easier in next step), and place into a steamer.

Here's a cross section of a branch — outer bark, fiber (light green), and the woody core. All we want is the fiber, and steaming will make it easier to strip off.

Step 3
Cover and steam for 30 minutes. Open windows for ventilation.

Step 4
After steaming, peel away the outer bark, and strip the fibers away from the woody core.

Left to right: bark, fiber, and woody core.

This basket of dry fibers weights about 4 oz, yields about 5 thin sheets.

If you wish to continue with papermaking, continue to step 4. Otherwise, dry the fibers and store in a dry/moisture free place. Dry fibers can be stored indefinitely. When you're ready to make paper, rehydrate the fibers by soaking it overnight

Step 5
Fill 2/3 of the pot with cold water — you don't want hot water to overflow when you add the stems. Measure out soda ash and add to the pot of water. For every 1 liter of water, use 15 grams (1/2 ounce) of soda ash.

When water is beginning to simmer, add fibers. Let it simmer for 2 hours.

Open windows and doors for ventilation. Every 1/2 hour or so, give it a stir.

Step 6:
After 2 hours, the water will be dark and thick. Drain and rinse the fibers until the water runs clear.

Step 7:
Begin to pound the fibers until it turns into pulp.

Step 8:
Set up your couching area by layering a pile of cloths.

Step 9:
Fill basin with water and add pulp. Agitate the water to distribute the pulp evenly.

Slide your mold and deckle into the basin, lift up, and let excess water drain.