Next stage

Friday /Saturday was spent working under the guidance of Dion Channer at his studio and paper mill.
Not only is he a master papermaker with 30yrs experience but a wonderful man. He kindly shared his time, experience, knowledge and paper making equipment allowing me to produce the paper I needed for my current project. I took the fibre cooked, then gave it a hand beat and then into Dion's Hollander beater. Then onto the vacuum table. I cannot thank Dion enough and his assistant Angelina for all their help and support. It was truly appreciated.

Hollander beater

Measuring the sizes of my pieces

Applying the beaten fibre

Putting the fibre directly into the prepared mould. This is a totally new experience for me as I normally  place it dry.

Vacuum table

Looking weary, job completed

Paper making

 Cutting up the Bulrush fibre

 Soaking the fibre in water

 Glamorous pic of cooking the fibre

 Rinsing the fibre

Hand beating the fibre

Preparation

                            Sewing some velcro onto mesh bags for plant fibres to be cooked in.                                                                             

                                                               Gathering Bulrush

                                                                 Hanging to dry

                                                           Finishing touches to casts