Hand Papermaking by Amanda Degener Workshop

We will work with indigo, walnut and persimmon dyes and apply gelatin as a resist. "Cave" papers are special because of the crackling, layering and combined effects resulting in dark, durable papers. Asian hand papermaking does not require much equipment, so it is easy to continue on your own. You will make both kozo and abaca paper, cloud paper, stencil “water away” paper, add inclusions, and try combinations of your own. You will be introduced to suminagashi (Japanese marbling) which can be done on your handmade papers or on provided sheets. Each participant also will create a portfolio and/or sample book with descriptions of both Asian and Western papers, to keep as a reference.

Student Supply List: 

- Shoes and socks that can get wet

- Scissors 

- An experimental attitude

Instructor Bio: Amanda earned a BFA from Bennington College and an MFA in sculpture from Yale University. She then moved to Minneapolis in 1984 and started Cave Paper, at first as an informal enterprise, then formally as a partnership in 1994 with Bridget O’Malley. Cave became known for its durable papers, made from flax, and dyed with combinations of black walnut hulls, indigo, red iron oxide and persimmon. Due to their superb quality, Degener taught papermaking, artist books, sculpture, and 2D- and 3D-foundation classes at Minneapolis College of Art and Design from 1994-2005. At Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Degener was the first artist-in-residence in a three-year position and later was their first Artistic Director. Degener co-founded and for six years co-published Hand Papermaking, a magazine devoted to the art and craft of papermaking. In 2020, Degener retired from Cave Paper, and in 2021 founded Cave Editions to make collaborative books that incorporate handmade paper. AmandaDegener.com