Description
Paper Making Class with Velda Thomas
Date/Time: March 15th| 10am – 12:30pm
Location: 1901 Jefferson St, Office #105, Tacoma, WA
Cost: FREE, $25 Suggested Donation
Join artist and author Velda Thomas for a class on making handmade paper from recycled materials. Participants will engage in the art of transforming waste papers into beautiful new sheets of unique art paper.
In this hands-on workshop, participants learn how to create sheets of paper using recycled paper products. Participants can expect to learn the process of tearing, soaking, blending, and pressing and gain an understanding of how simple materials can be renewed into creative, textured usable sheets. The goal being to craft paper that is interesting not perfect. This class explores both the basic craft and ecology of paper making — emphasizing sustainability, creative reuse, and personal expression. All base materials will be supplied by the facilitator. Participants are encouraged to bring bits of dry plant fibers, fine threads, or special bits of paper to experiment with texture and design.
You’ll learn:
- How to prepare and pulp paper
- The techniques of sheet forming, pressing, and drying
- Simple ways to add inclusions (flowers, leaves, or threads)
- Ideas for using writing paper, cards, and art surfaces
You will make approximately 4 small sheets of paper to keep. Or maybe you will exchange with classmates to receive variety. No prior experience required — just curiosity and a willingness to play and get your hands wet!
Notes
- Registration is required and limited to 20 individuals
- Email Chris at bluecactuspress@gmail.com regarding any accessibility concerns.
About the Facilitator
Velda Thomas was born in England, UK with family ancestry sourced from Africa, the Caribbean and the America’s. Love of creative expression has been a constant thread running through Velda’s life. Whether visual , written or performance she has dabbled in it all, blending genres to expose distinct hybrid forms of personal expression. Current practices and interests include sound, somatic movement, clay, printmaking, poetry and personal narrative. Velda has worked as a fashion designer, kindergarten teacher, adult educator, birth doula, massage therapist and sound practitioner. She is a writer, poet and published author. Velda is a conversationalist, horsewoman, nature lover and world traveler. Currently living in Port Townsend WA on the Olympic Peninsula. USA.
