This beginner- level course introduces participants to the fundamentals of hand papermaking, from fibre preparation to forming and drying finished sheets. Working primarily with cotton pulp, students will learn the basic tools, materials, and techniques used to make paper by hand, including vat setup, mould and deckle use, sheet forming, couching, and drying. Emphasis is placed on understanding paper as a material through direct, hands-on experience. No prior experience is required, and the course is suitable for artists, printmakers, book artists, and anyone interested in learning how to make paper by hand.

Decorative techniques such as laminating, shaped sheets, and inclusions will also be introduced, and participants are encouraged to bring found materials to experiment with. A basic Nepalese-style deckle box will be covered which allows for individual pulls of different coloured pulp, combinations of fibres, and the incorporation of found materials within a single sheet.

Because papermaking is a wet process, participants should wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet and clothing that may get wet. Small amounts of water may be present on the floor, so participants are asked to move carefully to avoid slipping.

What you’ll learn: ​​​​

• Vat setup
• Mould and deckle use
• sheet forming
• couching
• drying
• combining fibres and found materials
• laminating and shaped sheets

About the instructor:

Castle Paper and Press – Brian Queen

Castle Paper and Press is the studio of Brian Queen, a Calgary-based hand papermaker, letterpress printer, and maker with a long-standing interest in the history and technology of paper, printing, and the book arts. Brian’s work brings together traditional craft and modern tools, from handmade paper and watermarks to letterpress, wood engraving, laser cutting, CNC machining, and 3D printing. 

Brian has been making handmade paper for more than 35 years and prints on his handmade paper using his Vandercook SP15 press. His current projects include experimental watermark making, 3D printed papermaking moulds, and mentoring engineering student teams that built a Gutenberg era wood printing press for the University of Calgary English Department, as well as a pulp painting machine for creating handmade paper art.

Workshop Fee

$185.00* prices not subject to GST

*Access to using the A/P studio equipment, including as a workshop participant, requires an A/P membership. Annual memberships are $30 and $10 for current students and current recipients of AISH. Membership fees can be applied directly to your workshop registration.

This workshop includes all project supplies, students are recommended to:

• Come prepared with image ideas or a creative direction to ground your design process.
• Arrive no more than 10 minutes before class.
• Park in the stalls located in front of A/P or use free street parking.
• Bring a snack and water bottle.
• Bring a notebook/sketchbook and pen.
• Bring reading glasses if you need them for fine work.
• Wear suitable clothing for working with ink and/or a work apron.
• Wear close toed shoes and avoid overly loose long sleeves.
• Tie back long hair when operating machinery.
• Personal PPE (goggles if uncomfortable sharing Studio PPE)

Additional Notes:

• Class limited to 8 Participants
• Adults 18+ Years Old

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Code of Conduct:

To support an environment which promotes dignity and respect to all, no form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated. Should this type of behaviour occur, the A/P host and/or instructor reserves the right to remove any individuals from the workshop.

Accommodation & Diversity:

Please inform A/P of any accessibility barrier(s) that may prevent you from getting the full benefit of participating in this program. A/P will respond to any requests in a timely manner and will work to support you within our capacity.

A/P is committed to diversity and equality to all in employment, volunteerism and contractors irrespective of their gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, nationality, national origin, sexuality, religion or belief, marital status and social class.

Cancellation Policy:

If you have registered for an in-studio class or workshop at A/P but are unable to attend, we require that you notify us as soon as possible, and no later than 7 days before the class or workshop to receive a full refund. Registrants who cancel with 6 days or less notice will receive 50% of their registration fee. Once the class or workshop has begun, A/P is unable to issue a refund as we are subject to a minimum enrolment in order to run.

If A/P cancels a course due to low enrolment, notice will be given at least 72 hours in advance with a full refund issued. For classes cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, registrants will receive a full refund.