Would you like to be featured in “Look Who’s Making Paper!” on the Arnold Grummer’s blog and win a $25 gift card to the Arnold Grummer’s shop? Click here to fill out and submit the online survey! We look forward to learning more about you and your work!
Name and location
Kirsten Gamble from Elkhorn, WI
What is a thing you love about paper and papermaking?
I love the meditative quality to the process. Making paper forces me to slow down and be very intentional with all my actions. My husband and I work together to make plant based pulps and I love the feeling of making something from something that may otherwise be considered waste. It provides a connection to nature and feeling of repurposing and reinvigorating old into new.
Where do you make paper? Your kitchen? Basement? Outside? Somewhere else?
Living in Wisconsin, I take advantage of the weather. In the summer I set up outside and enjoy the sun and let it dry my papers quickly. When it gets cold out I move to my basement.
What are some things you like to do with your paper once it’s made? Cards? Crafts? Something else?
I like to sew and embroider on my papers. I then turn the sewn pieces into books, bookmarks, cards, and framed art.
Tell us your favorite Arnold Grummer product and how you first learned about the company.
I love the medium dip handmold. It is the perfect size for cards and books. I can also get a perfect sized bookmark out of it.
Share a thought, bit of advice, or encouragement for someone interested in trying papermaking.
It’s all about the process. If you set yourself up properly and take your time you can make some beautiful papers. Even the ones that didn’t seem to turn out can come in handy for collages, or you can always tear them up and repulp them! Nothing goes to waste.
To check out more of Kirsten’s work, visit her Facebook page!
What lovely work Kristin. Thank you for sharing. =)
Kirsten, sew many questions (pun intended!). Love your use of fiber and stitching on the blackbird pieces. Is there a backing behind the needlework?
Thanks, Kim! If the back of the piece is going to show, like on a bookmark or an ornament, I glue another paper on the back to cover the reverse side of the stitching. For books I have attached the pages back to back so it doesn’t show. For framed pieces I don’t worry about it though. I am looking forward to this year’s Paper on the River!