General
Introduction
Handmade paper craft is an originative and industrious outlet. In
itself it is an artistic and innovative medium. Paper crafting helps in
forestation and de - forestation , no tree needs to be harvested as
paper in itself is an excellent example of recycling . The uses and
applications of paper pulp and handmade paper are countless.
History
In the ancient times, word “ Papyrus “ is used from which
paper is derived. Taking slices of the inner part of papyrus stem ,
papyrus scrolls are made by flattening and pounding them into a thin ,
hard sheet. The origination of handmade paper craft starts from china
through the Mid-East to Europe. Traditionally , with the help of various
cotton rags or vegetable fibers handmade paper is designed. Now a days ,
there is a complete revitalization and resurgence in tribal art paper
craft.
Raw material
A variety of raw materials are used by skilled craftsmen and artisans
for making handmade paper. The material can be :
- Cotton rags
- Linen
- Old ropes
- Canvas
- Vegetable matter either potatoes , flowers , leaves or tree moss
These materials help in making an exquisite and keen range of
handmade paper. It ensures creativity , opacity , seniority , glare and
magnificence. A wide variety of designs and styles inspired by the
varied cultures of the different Indian states make excellent decorative
pieces from handmade paper.
Variation of Handmade Paper Craft : Papier Mache Craft
Papier mache objects are made from waste paper. Waste paper is applied
in layers and then pressed on wooden moulds. Craftsmen apply and mix a
thick layer of paper pulp with starch , then mold them in a variety of
expressions. To make papier mache craft , less labor as well as less
time is required. They are made and available in various bright and
lustrous colors.
Prominent places
There are some places which are famous for there handmade paper craft
work , they are :
- Kashmir: It is famous for its utility items made of
paper and fabulous and magnificent decorative pieces. It is also
famous for its various designs made in shape of birds , flowers and
heart shaped Kashmir chinar leaf which add life to the articles.
- Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh: It is famous largely for
toys.
- Ujjain: It specializes in figures of immortals like
puppet and other decorative items.
- Jodhpur , Jaipur , Ahmedabad , Rajasthan and Gujarat:
These places are famous for multicolored kites. Kites have double
paper used with the bamboo pieces between the two sheets.
- Bihar and Jharkhand: They are famous for animal , bird
figures and other paper mache products .
Varieties of Paper
Different varieties of paper are used to make a numerous number of
items and articles. It can be
Handmade plain paper
- Silk paper
- Flower paper
- Jute paper
- Embroidered paper
- Handmade batik paper
- Embossed paper
- Millenium paper
- Leaf impression paper
- Tie die paper
- Leather paper
- Screen print paper
- Crocodile paper
Popularity of Handmade Paper Crafts
- Eco-friendly
- Recycled and recyclable
- No chemicals used
- Energy-free method of production
- Very elegant,
- Aesthetic appeal
- Looks great, and
- of course fashionable
Handmade Paper Products
Colorful handmade paper is effectively used in making a concourse of
decorative items like wallpapers , gift boxes , art portfolios , carry
bags , greeting cards etc. Handmade paper craft range includes :
- Visiting card : Visiting cards are also known as calling
cards. They are made from good quality of paper and represent
themselves as a universal feature of upper class life.
- Envelops : A flat and flexible container made of paper,
it has a single opening and a flap that can be sealed over the
opening. Envelopes are generally rectangular in shape but they exist
in a wide range of sizes. Noways, designer paper envelops are also
available for storing greeting cards, gift cheques etc.
- Letterheads : Letter heads are made from various
qualities of paper (silk , batik or embroidered ) and they are used
for various purposes such as: annual reports, corporate and informal
invitations etc.
- Note pads : Notepad can be considered simply as pile of
papers. It can be made from good or bad quality of paper depending
upon function for which it is used.
- Paper bags : Paper bags are made from very fine quality
of paper. They are available in various sizes and are perfect used
for shopping.
- Diary : Diary is a record with discrete entries arranged
by date reporting on what has happened over the course of a day or
other period.
- File cover : File covers are available in all sizes ,
its cover is made of paper which is usually either plain or leather
paper.
- Lamp : Paper lamp is used for lighting purpose and is
available in various colors ,shape and sizes.
- Paper holder : Paper holder is used to keep documents
and sheets of paper in the upright position, reducing eye and neck
strain, and keeping your desk and computer workstation uncluttered.
- Tissue box : Tissue box holder resembles like a simple
box used for carrying tissues. It is durable and any size tissue can
be fitted properly into it.
- Pen stand : Pen stands are made with different varieties
of handmade paper and come in a variety of colors and sizes. It is
used to hold a number of items.
- Chit pad : Paper chit pad contains a number of sheets of
paper fastened together along one pad. Depending upon the purpose of
using , it can be used as formal or informal document.
