Then there comes the question:
What should you look for when selection a quality papermaking kit?
There are 2 standard sizes of Traditional Western-style Deckle/Mould Sets
These 2 sizes are:
Half Sheet = 5.5x8.5
(Designed to produce a standard half sheet of paper US Size 8.5x11 Paper)
&
Full Sheet = 8.5x11
(Designed to produce a standard whole sheet of US Size 8.5x11 Paper)
Other sizes are also available for specific purposes.
~2x3 and 3x4 for greeting card fronts
~3x3, 4x4 and 6x6 for producing origami paper
~5x7 introductory size often used in workshops. Limited uses otherwise
~12x12 for producing scrapbook paper
~Tin Can kit for introducing children to the craft of papermaking
~2x8 for creating soap wraps
~3x10 postalette note cards
These are unique sizes not considered to be standard, crated for a special purpose.
There are also certain accepted Papermaking Industry Standards such as to how a Deckle/Mould (D/M) should be designed.
~D/Ms should be made of quality, fine grain woods, free of knots and splits
~D/Ms should always have an attached screen make of fine quality, strong, nylon (or similar material), or synthetic which has a special, durable coating. The screening is specially designed to produce even sheets of paper, while reducing the possibility of the pulp sticking to the screening.
~D/Ms should not be made of materials other than wood
~D/M should always have an attached screen
~D/M should not be made with screening materials designed
for household windows; made of wire or ordinary window screen-type fiberglass.
To do so is to create a kit that does not meet accepted industry standards.
They can also be fragile, unsafe to use, and are often not durable.
Choose a papermaking kit made by people who know the history of papermaking. And who understand the art and craft of fine papermaking. And buy from people who will offer you long-term, quality help and support. But from teachers, and fiber artists who know the art and craft of fine handmade paper. Paper doesn't care what the frame looks like. But you will care what the paper looks like that you produce and create.
So what about the question of Keeping it Green and Earth-friendly Papermaking?
Most papermaking kits are Earth Friendly, no matter what kinds of fibers or pulps are used.
The "wood" used to produce Paper pulp is a by-product of the lumber industry (sawdust, bark, etc.)
Just as Cotton Linter is a by-product of the cotton ginning process.
And beautiful Mulberry paper puts Mulberry Bark to use rather than wasting it.
The same is true of Soy fiber, Denim, Silk and other beautiful, amazing fibers you can use.
So don't avoid or waste these wonderful fibers and materials.
Use them in your fine papermaking projects. If you live in a house made of wood construction.
And if your cloths made of natural fibers there are also natural, necessary by-products created as a result.
Don't waste them. Use them wisely. Use them beautifully.
Enjoy the process!


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