The purpose of this guide is to clarify some of the confusing terms surrounding the entire field of handmade paper making. So I offer the following information which I include in my papermaking workshops.

FYI: There are several different and perhaps confusing terms referring to the process of paper making. To clarify some of this we offer the following information. You may see the producing of a single sheet of paper referred to as "Laying a sheet of paper" or "Pulling a sheet of paper" Since the paper is formed by pulling the deckle/mould up through a vat or container of slurry or pulp, we feel the most accurate term is to "Pull". But either term is acceptable.

A post of paper is simply a stack of newly formed sheets of damp paper which are stacked with a couching sheet between each piece of paper. It is also possible to place one couching sheet under a piece of paper, place another couching sheet on top of the paper and then place several layers of paper toweling or newspaper on top and repeat. Either method will work and you will decide after several sessions which method works best for you.

Finally, a very confusing aspect is how exactly does one pronounce the word COUCH? It is correctly pronounced the same way as a "couch potato" (kouch). The term comes from the laying out or covering of something. For example to couch wheat fibers, or couched in mystery, meaning to lay out, arrange flat or to cover from view.

Hopefully this will be of help when trying to navigate the different auctions and websites where papermaking kits, tools, supplies and information are offered. You may find the use of a "Pronouncing Dictionary" found on the Internet to be helpful for hearing the sound and reading description of the word couch.