Wandering Book Artists

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I really enjoy talking about making paper by hand with someone who has explored the nuances of the craft for more than 40 years. It was so fun to hear how Peter Thomas explored the craft on his own in the early years, and how he began selling his paper and books at Renaissance Faires.

1987 Beater Time Tests

Thomas started making paper in the 1970’s when hardly anyone was doing it, and found his way through exploration, research and perseverance.

1990 Papermaking in Seventeeth Century England

Thomas’ books are created solely with the paper he makes himself, and he has invented many of his own book structures. He and his wife Donna work together often: he makes the paper; she does the illustrations and the binding. And they’ve published a couple of trade books, along with hundreds of handmade books, which are catalogued online through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Their editioned handmade books can be found in special collections worldwide. Not only do the Thomas’ collaborate with each other, but they have produced handmade books featuring papers from international makers.