HANDCRAFTED PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS MADE FROM INDIGENOUS PLANT FIBERS by Harold H. Alexander and Marjorie A. Alexander is a papermaking manual for all levels of expertise. The authors describe how to make fine and utilitarian paper with simple equipment in small settings. They illustrate how to adapt generic equipment and utilities for making handcrafted paper from indigenous plant and waste fibers.

Based upon their experiences while serving as papermaking technical consultants in Jamaica, Egypt*, and Saint Lucia, the Alexanders have created a manual that begins with a short history of paper, introduces useful information about selected plant fibers native to temperate and tropical climates, describes in detail the process of making paper, and explores product development, presentation and marketing. Also included is a plan for a small papermaking production center, and designs for making necessary equipment.

• Space and Utilities
• Equipment and Supplies
• Sources of papermaking Supplies and Equipment
• Fiber Collection
• From Fiber to Pulp
• Papermaking Techniques

• Product needs Evaluation
• Design Fundamentals
• Product Design
• Quality/Quantity Production
• Product/Design Evaluation
• Product Merchandising
• Basic Management Techniques
• Product Ideas

The Alexanders discuss in depth the development of marketable products. They have found while working as papermaking consultants in Third World Countries that the making of paper is only a means to an end, and regardless of how well paper and paper-based products are made, if these products are not sold, no income is generated. AND, income generation is usually the bottom line, the criteria for success and continuation of most cottage and small industries in economically stressed locations.

Handcrafted Paper is being used by papermakers around the world. There are 81 illustrations, an excellent bibliography, a list of sources for papermaking equipment and supplies, and an index. $30.00 for the new 2007 edition, plus postage payable by check made out to "Maralex Studios".

Handcrafted Paper & Paper Products made from Indigenous Plant Fibers was originally written at the request of the Center for Development and Environment Arab Regions and Europe (CEDARE), Cairo, Egypt, and was published in the Arabic language in 1996. The English language edition is published by Maralex Studios, Arden Hills, MN. Contact us.