Papermaking and marbling workshops
The Handmade Paper Manufactory in Kobyłka invites you to demonstrations of papermaking and marbling.
During the workshop, we will make sheets of paper using equipment from the 14th and 15th centuries. You will hear about the history of paper in Poland and around the world. You will learn about filigree and watermarking! You will also be able to discover the differences between parchment, papyrus, and handmade paper. Together, you will try your hand at the extraordinary, ancient bookbinding method of dyeing paper with seaweed extract. You will leave the workshop with a sheet of handmade paper and a dyed paper with fanciful patterns!
Workshop Procedure
- A story about the history of paper, illustrated with slides. You will also have the opportunity to hold parchment and papyrus, and touch clay and wax tablets.
- Hand-made papermaking workshops using materials and equipment recreated from the 14th and 15th centuries. Participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at making sheets of paper with filigree and decorative paper, such as flower petals and seeds. To make the demonstration more attractive during the growing season, we suggest arranging floral arrangements on used paper.
- A demonstration of dyeing handmade paper (known as marbling).
A colorful and highly effective workshop, complete with a lecture on the history and uses of such paper in everyday life. This is a forgotten method of dyeing handmade paper, performed using a thick carrageenan extract (an extract from marine algae). Pages dyed using this method decorated old books – their endpapers and covers.
Workshops are held year-round in two locations: the Handmade Paper Manufactory in Kobyłka and the Papierówka Museum in Warsaw’s Old Town.
Classes last approximately 2.5-3.0 hours.
Price: PLN 65 gross per participant.
Information for Workshop Participants
- Workshop participants should dress comfortably and casually.
- Participants are welcome to bring delicate plants, colorful cut threads or sequins, or cut pieces of colored paper (preferably double-sided dyed), which we can fuse into the paper.
- Due to the nature of the workshop, we also ask that you bring a change of wellies.
- We provide protective fabric aprons for each workshop participant in the studio.
Works created during the workshop are dried and shipped or delivered to workshop participants after approximately two days. - Items made by the Handmade Paper Factory in Kobyłka are available for purchase in the gallery.
Workshop Duration and Price Information
- Show and workshop duration: 2.50 – 3 hours
- Workshop participation fee: PLN 65 per person (gross price)
- Minimum workshop booking fee for a small group is PLN 500.