Paper Procession
The Sunday Paper #562
July 7, 2025
The Paper Year is open to new members now through July 10th. Here’s what we’ll be making in July (a Reusable Book Cover), August (Pillow Boxes with guest artist Susan Niner Janes) and September (a Pop-Up Sampler). We explore a different technique and project every month, and if you join now, you gain access to the entire Paper Year Library (with more than 50 projects).
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And here’s what a longtime member has to say about The Paper Year:
If you have any hesitation about joining an online course because it might be impersonal, The Paper Year is just the opposite. The ongoing course offers an encouraging community of paper artists … having just the right mix of sharing as much or as little as you want. Helen guides you with step by step instructions that are well-structured and a benefit to both novice and professional artists. Monthly Zoom sessions allow you to become acquainted with your classmates, and I particularly enjoy that we share images of our work and the practical tips we receive from each other. It keeps me motivated. Another enjoyable feature of The Paper Year is Helen’s sharing of international paper artists; exposing you to creatives from around the world that you might not be aware of.
Helen’s passion, enthusiasm and vast knowledge of the paper arts is shown in every aspect of her instruction. And the knowledge I have gained through her books and instructions has truly been a gift for my art practice. This is what keeps me signing up year after year. – Claudia W from NY State
Click through to read all about The Paper Year and join us. And please reach out if you have any questions.
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The Papermaking Art Retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico will take place Feb 5–12, 2026. Join artist Paula Hartmann and cultural guide Katrin Schrimpf for an unforgettable 8-day creative immersion in the artisanal heart of Oaxaca. Learn traditional papermaking with Eduardo Santiago Gijón using native plant fibers like agave and corn husks, explore natural dyes, and take part in a paper jewelry workshop with a local Mexican artist. Paula will guide participants in creating poetic paper mobiles that draw on movement and craft traditions. Wander Oaxaca’s colorful street art alleys, hike ancient Zapotec trails, and enjoy rich cultural offerings like alebrije painting and a traditional cooking class. Stay in cozy, art-centered accommodations in both peaceful San Agustin Etla and vibrant Oaxaca City. “This retreat was pure magic—calm, authentic, and full of inspiring people.” – Anne; “Each day was a new adventure into the art, the land, and the people.” – Rebekah. Sign up for a free informational webinar on August 5th.
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I love this story on so many levels! Learn about a student who is preparing for the future through hands-on learning as she makes paper with local fibers. Laura Dahl is spending this summer creating a signature College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University handmade paper.
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If you are in or around Yorkshire, I hope you can get over to Yorkshire Sculpture Park it see the multi-decade survey of Kentridge’s sculptural practice (through April 19, 2026). The Pull of Gravity is the first show to focus on his 3D work outside South Africa. His work, Paper Procession, displayed outdoors, is a commission created for YSP of six monumental, colorful sculptures that parade in front of a century-old yew hedge.
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A blast from the past, check out the University of Iowa Center for the Book’s papermaking effort for the National Archives Charters of Freedom project, circa 1999, which resulted in paper that sits under the Declaration of Independence.
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Paper Tidbits
- The 2025 Guild of American Papercutters Conference, the 2025 GAP Members Exhibition “Mountains and Valleys,” and the inaugural GAP Excellence in Exhibition Awards will all take place August 15-17 in the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Commune with fellow papercutters, learn new cutting techniques, practice your craft and make life-long friends!
- The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is currently hosting “Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper” organized by Meher McArthur.
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