Process of making Lokta Paper
Harvest Time
During harvesting, the branches of the plant are carefully cut at a height of 20 to 25 centimetres above the ground. Once collected, the bark is skillfully peeled from the stems using a sharp knife.
The stripped bark is then left to dry
completely before being stored for
later use. Because the plant’s root
system remains undisturbed during this process, it is able to regenerate naturally. Over the following years, the plant gradually regrows, reaching full maturity again in about six years. This cyclical method of harvesting ensures the
long-term sustainability of the resource, allowing it to be used repeatedly without depleting the plant population.
Paper Pulp
The stripped bark is first chopped into smaller, manageable pieces and then soaked in a water-filled bath for several hours.
Once the bark becomes thoroughly softened and soggy, it is transferred to a large pot and simmered gently for
approximately eight hours to further break down and soften the fibres. After boiling, the material is rinsed thoroughly in cold
water to remove impurities and cool it down. Once it has cooled completely, the softened fibres are beaten by hand using a traditional manual beater until they
transform into a smooth, uniform
pulp ready for the next stage of
processing.
Mesh
About a cupful of the prepared pulp is
carefully poured onto wooden mesh frames and gently spread into an even, thin layer using smooth, deliberate strokes. At this stage, while the pulp is still damp and pliable, natural decorative elements such as flower petals or seeds are
delicately placed onto the surface to create unique botanical designs (like our popular Natural Pressed Cornflower
design, restocking soon!). Once the
desired pattern is arranged, the frames are set aside to allow excess water to drain. They are then left to dry naturally in the sun, where the sheets gradually firm up into beautiful, handmade paper embedded with nature’s delicate details.
Result
Skilled artisans can expertly adjust the amount and consistency of the pulp to produce handmade paper in a range of thicknesses—delicate sheets as light as 6 gsm (grams per square meter), ideal for
tissue-like applications, all the way up to
sturdier, more substantial papers of 80 gsm or even 100 gsm, perfect for writing,
printing, or fine art projects. This versatility enables a wide range of creative uses while preserving the unique character and texture of each sheet.
Process of making Lokta Paper
Harvest Time
During harvesting, the branches of the plant are carefully cut at a height of 20 to 25 centimetres above the ground. Once collected, the bark is skillfully peeled from the stems using a sharp knife.
The stripped bark is then left to dry
completely before being stored for
later use. Because the plant’s root
system remains undisturbed during this process, it is able to regenerate naturally. Over the following years, the plant gradually regrows, reaching full maturity again in about six years. This cyclical method of harvesting ensures the
long-term sustainability of the resource, allowing it to be used repeatedly without depleting the plant population.
Paper Pulp
The stripped bark is first chopped into smaller, manageable pieces and then soaked in a water-filled bath for several hours.
Once the bark becomes thoroughly softened and soggy, it is transferred to a large pot and simmered gently for
approximately eight hours to further break down and soften the fibres. After boiling, the material is rinsed thoroughly in cold
water to remove impurities and cool it down. Once it has cooled completely, the softened fibres are beaten by hand using a traditional manual beater until they
transform into a smooth, uniform
pulp ready for the next stage of
processing.
Mesh
About a cupful of the prepared pulp is
carefully poured onto wooden mesh frames and gently spread into an even, thin layer using smooth, deliberate strokes. At this stage, while the pulp is still damp and pliable, natural decorative elements such as flower petals or seeds are
delicately placed onto the surface to create unique botanical designs (like our popular Natural Pressed Cornflower
design, restocking soon!). Once the
desired pattern is arranged, the frames are set aside to allow excess water to drain. They are then left to dry naturally in the sun, where the sheets gradually firm up into beautiful, handmade paper embedded with nature’s delicate details.
Result
Skilled artisans can expertly adjust the amount and consistency of the pulp to produce handmade paper in a range of thicknesses—delicate sheets as light as 6 gsm (grams per square meter), ideal for
tissue-like applications, all the way up to
sturdier, more substantial papers of 80 gsm or even 100 gsm, perfect for writing,
printing, or fine art projects. This versatility enables a wide range of creative uses while preserving the unique character and texture of each sheet.