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This information is reprinted from the Beginner Topics
column of Hand Papermaking Newsletter #66 (April, 2004).
To learn how to order Hand Papermaking bi-annual magazine
and quarterly newsletter, click
here.
Making a Deckle Box
Living in the midwestern United States, I think of spring
as a time of new beginnings--plants are alive again and the
snow is finally gone. Spring encourages us to think of
doing, or using, something new.
We usually make paper on some form of mould and deckle or
suketa. An interesting variation is to make a deckle box. A
deckle box represents a cross between Western and Eastern
papermaking techniques. It works well for cooked fibers and
new spring plants; it may also be used for recycled (new
life!) papers and traditional western fibers.
To make a deckle box you will need four pieces of 1”x4”
lumber for the box sides, canvas stretchers available at any
art supply store, some metal screening material, a bamboo
mat, and some non-woven interfacing.
I pick standard dimensions for the box that match canvas
stretchers--say, 8”x10”. Simply put the canvas stretchers
together, then cut a layer of metal screening to the outside
dimensions of the stretchers. The second layer is the bamboo
mat (if you have trouble locating one, try an Asian grocery)
cut and tied off to fit the metal screen. The final layer is
non-woven interfacing and again the size is that of the
other surface materials. Construct the box from the 1”x4”
lumber and put weather stripping on the bottom edge. It is
also a good idea to put hooks and screw eyes on each side to
hold the box on top to the canvas-stretcher base on the
bottom.
Now you have a device that may be placed into a tub of
water, filled with pulp, then lifted and drained. When the
top is removed your sheet of paper is on the non-woven
interfacing and may be left there to dry. Insert a new piece
of interfacing for your next sheet.
Another note about spring: this is the time to check all
those craft centers that open for the summer. Plan to take a
trip, or go around the corner and take a class. Learn a new
technique. Bloom!
Copyright 2004 Hand Papermaking, Inc.
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