Kozo is the most common of the Japanese style (washi) paper making fibers. It comes from the inner bark of (Paper Mulberry) tree which is harvested annually. According to an expert tree surgeon, this fiber is strong and very long enabling the creation of thin, strong slightly translucent sheets of handmade papers.This workshop will introduce you to the history of this traditional process.  Attendees will learn how to prepare the fibres, which will be followed by sheet formation, pigmentation and decorative techniques resulting in both plain and decorative sheets.

Mandy Brannan is a London based papermaker, book artist and workshop leader.While living in California during the 90’s Mandy studied both Japanese and Western styles of hand papermaking, which led to the development of her personal style that involves experimenting with different traditional papermaking fibres, plant and recycled materials, and pigmentation methods. She uses complex layers of the papermaking fibres that are manipulated into patterns that are influenced by her research into architectural details.

The workshop is open to a maximum of 10 participants (age 16+) on a first come, first served basis. Attendance at the workshop costs £40 (£30 students) with all proceeds supporting our After School Club for the local state school students.