Watermarks have long been used to identify the paper mill where the paper was produced. They are usually logographic. In this workshop, you will make papers where letterforms form the watermark, creating short texts. You will use pre-made vinyl letters with sticky backs stuck directly onto the screen and learn how to pull a sheet. Then you will create your own letters by cutting with either scissors or knives and stick the new letters onto a screen and pull a sheet. Everyone will have a chance to make a few sheets of paper in this way. Rob Saunders will help you construct the letters, and Colin Browne will prepare the fibers and show you how to pull the sheets.
Colin Browne (PZ ’00) received his MFA in Book Arts from Columbia College, Chicago. He has concentrated on hand papermaking since graduation and is currently the Vice President, Publicity and Outreach, of the Friends of Dard Hunter hand papermaking society.