Handmade Paper

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.