Papermaking with Polypores

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Dyers Week in Finland. One of the courses that was going on was how to make paper with Polypores or Fungi.

Here’s how:

• The polypores are collected and then left to soak in water for several hours to soften them.
• After soaking the polypores, chop them into small pieces and put into a blender to create a pulp.
• Pour the pulp into a shallow tray.
• Lay a piece of cotton fabric onto a wire mesh paper form.
• Place the form into the pulp mixture and lift it up, letting the excess water run off.
• Lay the top part of the paper form onto the pulp mixture and press it down.
  Use a sponge to squeeze out any remaining water.
• Remove the top part of the form, invert the form carefully and place it onto a cloth.
• Use a rolling pin to flatten the paper and remove extra moisture.
• Remove the piece of fabric from the handmade paper carefully.
• If there are any holes or breaks in the paper, you can put the paper back into the pulp mixture and try again.
• Once you are happy with the results of your handmade paper, lay it between several layers of newspaper and let it dry.