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We Make Handmade Paper From

Discarded Olive Leaves Invasive Plants Corn Husks Recycled Paper Giant Reed

And You Can Do It Too!

🌱 What We Find

We begin with invasive plants and natural trimmings materials often left behind or thrown away. At first glance, they may look rough, tangled, and without much purpose. Yet hidden inside every stem and leaf are fibers waiting to be discovered.

From olive leaves, recycled paper, corn husks, and giant reed leaves, to other invasive plants, what once appeared as waste becomes the foundation for something new: unique aromatic handmade paper with natural texture and character.

raw material for paper making workshop natural handmade reeds sheet
📜 What We Make

Through soaking, pulping, and pressing, those fibers are transformed into handmade paper. Each sheet is textured, unique, and full of character.
The result is more than just paper. It’s a reminder that what nature gives us, even in its most overlooked form, can be turned into something meaningful and beautiful.

What We Do in Our Paper-Making Workshops?

Everything is ready when you arrive, so you don’t need to bring a thing. The frames, boxes, and materials are waiting, and the adventure begins.

We cook the leaves together and prepare them with grinding machines. Then comes the moment when water and fibers meet, turning into what feels like magic. You dip the frame into the basin, lift it slowly, and watch the first sheet of paper take shape. Pressing it onto cotton, you leave it to dry, knowing that tomorrow it will be ready. And you just learned Papermaking!

By the end, you leave not just with your own handmade sustainable paper, but also with the memory of how plants became something new through your hands.

1. Preparing the Materials

We start by sorting and cutting leaves or natural fibers, getting them ready for the process.

2. Cooking the Fibers

Using an alkali treatment, we cook the plant material to soften and separate the fibers.

3. Rinsing the Fibers

The cooked fibers are rinsed thoroughly, removing any excess chemicals and preparing them for pulping.

4. Grinding into Pulp

With grinding machines, we turn the softened fibers into a smooth pulp, the base of handmade paper.

5. Making the Sheets

The pulp is mixed with water, and with papermaking frames, we carefully pull out new sheets of paper.

6. Drying the Paper

Each sheet is pressed and placed on cotton cloth, then left to dry naturally.

7. Collecting Your Paper

After about a day, you return to pick up your unique, handmade sheets.

Handmade Papermaking Workshop FAQ:
Learn how to make handmade paper in Lisbon and across Europe

What do you teach in the workshop?

I teach how to make paper from leaves, natural materials, and recycled paper. You will learn the full process, step by step.

Where do you run workshops?

I run handmade papermaking workshops around Lisbon, across Portugal, and in other parts of Europe. You can contact me here to discuss further.

In which languages are the workshops available?

The workshops can be done in English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic.

Can I book a private or group workshop?

Yes, private and group workshops are available. Contact me to discuss dates, locations, and special arrangements.

Where do the workshops take place?

I host workshops in labs, universities, and outdoor spaces with access to water.

When will I get my own handmade paper?

The handmade papers usually need about one day to dry. You can pick them up the next day.

Can I decorate my paper?

Yes! You can add seeds, petals, or any other small material you’d like. Feel free to bring things to try out.

Is the paper safe to use for writing or art?

Yes! The handmade paper can be used for drawing, writing, printing, or other creative projects.

How much paper can I make?

You can make as much paper as you want until we run out of time or materials.

What if the workshop is short?

If the workshop is less than 4 hours, we will explain and show the cooking part, but we cannot do it during the session because of time limits.

Can kids join the workshop?

Yes! However, kids above 9 years old can participate with a child ticket

Do I need any prior experience?

No experience is required. The workshop is suitable for beginners and anyone curious about papermaking.

Emilia Lloret

Director of Photography

"I was really curious to try making my own materials and paper for a project I have in mind for my PhD research, that’s how I came across this workshop. It was fun, hands-on, and truly inspiring."

Here's what they've told us

Mónica Rechestre

Design Student

“A fantastic experience! I learned how to make paper from natural and recycled materials including olive leaves! Perfect for future projects like business cards, notebooks, or art. Highly recommend for the learning and fun atmosphere!”
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Want to know about our next natural paper-making workshop in Lisbon? Leave your email, and we’ll notify you!