Papermaking Workshop: From Plants to Paper
Fri., March 20, 2026, 2–5 p.m.Fri., March 27, 2026, 2–5 p.m.
$250
Education and Visitor Center, Steven’s Classroom and Kitchen Garden
Guided by artist Jenna Bonistalli, participants will learn about the history of papermaking through visits to the Library and botanical collections over three days, culminating in the creation of their own paper from various plant materials.
Day one: March 13, 2026 at 2 p.m. | View Library archival material to learn about the history of papermaking and see examples from the collection, then prepare and process plant material for papermaking.
Day two: March 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. | Work with kozo (paper mulberry) to make sheets of paper in the Nepalese style, hand beating the fiber to form individual sheets. If papyrus is available, participants will create a sheet or two as a group.
Day three: March 27, 2026 at 2 p.m. | Participants will make sheets of paper from a banana plant harvested on Huntington grounds. Depending on the amount of fiber available, participants may also blend the material with cotton or abaca. The class will work in groups to collaborate on pressing and drying the paper.
Key Details
- Registration includes free admission to The Huntington beginning at noon on each day of class.
- Suitable for all levels; no previous experience is necessary.
- Suitable for adults ages 18 and older.
- All supplies and materials are included.
- The papermaking process is wet and can be messy! Please wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. On days two and three, please bring an apron and shoes that repel water or that you don’t mind getting wet.
- Aspects of the papermaking process may be physically tiring and involve standing or moving for an extended period of time. We are happy to make accommodations. If you have questions, please contact publicprograms@huntington.org.
- Please bring registration confirmation with you.
- Check in with Education staff at Admission window #10 beginning at 1:30 p.m.
For questions about this event, please contact publicprograms@huntington.org.
All supplies and materials are included for participants to make several kinds of paper. Courtesy of Jenna Bonistalli.
In-Person Class Ticketing Policies
- Tickets are not sold at the door for this event.
- To join the waitlist for this event, please email publicprograms@huntington.org. A space is not guaranteed, but you will be contacted if a space becomes available.
- To receive a refund, you must cancel at least 5 days prior to the event. Cancellations made within 5 days of the event will not be refunded.
- Members may receive a discount for up to two tickets.
Top image: Handmade paper made from banana, kozo, recycled cotton, and abaca. Photo by Aaron Spoto. | The Huntington, San Marino, California.