The Martha Stewart Show

Palm Paper

The Martha Stewart Show

Artist Michele Oka Doner and Martha make palm paper.

Palm Paper

Tools and Materials
Large deep bin
Prepared pulp mixture
Mold and deckle
Pellon
Stainless steel tray
Pulp
Water
Felt wool
Plant fibers
Abaca

Palm Paper How-To
1. Fill a large deep bin 3 to 4 inches high with water, then add prepared pulp mixture and mix by hand to disperse fiber and dissolve clumps

2. Pre-wet mold and deckle before dipping.

3. In a fluid motion, submerge mold and deckle into prepared vat with pulp and water mixture; be sure you capture pulp evenly on paper mold.

3. Lift and shake back and forth to spread evenly.

4. Transfer mold and deckle to a tray and allow to drain for about 10 minutes.

5. Remove deckle (frame) from swap.

6. Cover a large, flat, stainless steel tray with felt wool and interface; moisten both materials before transferring pulp to pellon.

7. Place presoaked plant fibers on a base sheet of abaca. (The fibers will meld with the pulp if they are soaked in advance for 24 hours.) Use a squeeze bottle with pulp mixture to fill in gaps, if necessary.

8. Line up mold and flip onto plant fibers; push on mold and apply pressure, then lift mold.

9. Cover abaca with partially moist interface and allow to dry for 24 hours.

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Palm Paper

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