Abstract calligraphy in paper

These are hand made papers with black hemp string embedded in them. The process involves placing the string in between two sheets of wet paper.  I arranged the string to give the look of abstract calligraphy,  or ascemic writing.

One of the first trial sheets:

Small book closed:

Small book opened:

One part of a larger, accordion book, with the light shiny through from the back:

The outside of the accordion book, with all the strings hanging out:

Detail:

Inside of the accordion book (above)

Recycled Denim Paper

It was finally sunny enough today to photograph the denim papers.  The darkest ones were all denim, and then I gradually added more cotton fiber to lighten the color.

They are about 10" X 13."  I made them on the thin side, but you really can't see this from the photos.

Making paper from recycled jeans

This is the beginning of my third semester in grad school at Memphis College of Art.  I am continuing with paper making and wondering why I waited so long to try it.  MCA has an exceptional area for paper making, thanks to retired Professor Dolph Smith. His daughter-in-law, Colleen, is now teaching the class, and this week we worked on making paper from recycled fabrics. I used old jeans, and here is what the process of breaking down the fabric looks like:

 Mixing and breaking down the fabric in the beater:

The broken down fabric after only 10 minutes:

Foam building up from detergent residue in washed clothes:

The pulp after about 30 minutes:

The paper turned out beautifully! Pics to follow when it's not so cloudy outside!

Thanks for looking!