Frequently asked questions

Who makes the material?

I hand make every piece. I stop paper going to landfill by building up the pages layer by layer and then compressing it into a block. Once I have this, I work it the same as wood.  

How do you compress it?

I use traditional book presses I found at antiques markets.  

Isn’t it boring and laborious process? Doesn’t it take a long time?

It can be, but it is good to stop sometimes, put on some music and switch off your brain! The resulting product is worth the labour intense process and it recycles a lot of waste materials.  

What glue do you use? Is it eco-friendly?

That’s a secret…I can’t give a way all my processes! All I can say is the glue I use is biodegradable.

What paper do you use? Can all paper be used?

Any thing that is going to landfill. Newspapers, books, magazines, as long as it isn’t too glossy

How do you add the colour?

No colour is added, the patterns and colours are made from the colours and text that was originally printed on the pages.  

How long does it take to make?

Depending on size, but the pieces need a few weeks to dry once they’ve been pressed, minimum 4-6 weeks.  

What coating is on the pieces? Can they get wet?

The pieces are finished in the same way as wood and have a eco varnish coating. They can be cleaned with a dry or damp cloth, please don’t use cleaning materials.  

What machinery do you use?

I use traditional wood working machinery. Lathe, bandsaw, beltsander etc.  

Does the material work the same way?

Yes, it’s like working with a hardwood, a piece of oak or similar.

Is recycling important to you?

Yes hugely, I was brought up in a family where we mended things if we could. It wasn’t until I started working with paper, that I realised I had completely underestimated how much paper is thrown away…just from my community, which is where I source most of my paper.

Do you work to commission?

Yes, I work to commission using papers personal to a client or company. This creates a sense of ownership and a sentimental element to the pieces. In the past I have used PHD notes, dissertations, company magazines that have expired, to name a few.    

Where did you study?

I went to Nottingham Trent University and studied a BA Hons Degree in Decorative Arts. I spent 2 years experimenting with all disciplines; wood, metal, ceramics, painting, textiles, making paper & glass. In the 3rd year we specialised in our chosen discipline…I chose wood. After completing my degree I went on to study for a Masters in Applied Art & Visual Culture at London Guildhall University.

How did you have the idea to use paper?

Initially during my MA I continued working with wood, but in the second term I had my light bulb moment! I had been reading in the garden at home and accidentally left my book out when it rained. I let the book dry out, but it had swelled and was ruined…it seemed like such a waste. Then I began thinking about its origins and that the paper came from wood, so I tried the same techniques I had been using within my woodwork. I spent the remainder of my Masters experimenting and understanding the material.

Why did you start combining wood and paper?

Coming full circle, I wanted to begin working with wood again to show the similar and contrasting qualities of the wood and paper, although they both come from the same source. To show the imprint left by man on natural products, but that they can also be positive, to highlight that recycling can be beautiful and create thought provoking artwork.