Using Paper

Techniques Tutorials

by Liz Chapman

Paper is a design component derived from plant material. It is plant material that has been processed to form paper.

FASNZ allows paper and paper like materials to be considered plant material. However careful selection is required.

Some handmade papers are textured and organic in appearance with fibres or foliage incorporated into them. These are obviously derived from plant material and can rightly be classified as such, whereas highly processed, waxed or lacquered papers should be used with discretion.

Paper can be used as a specific design component and is selected for its design qualities just as you would choose a specific piece of plant material.

Paper could be used when a particular colour is required, it creates texture, may be used as an embellishment, incorporated as a technique e.g. folding or weaving etc, covering a surface, to reinforce a theme or title or to cover mechanics, as a container or staging.

In addition to handmade papers, there are many other forms of paper suitable for use in design eg. Malthoid building paper, sand paper, tissue paper, wallpaper, kyoji paper, rice paper, corrugated cardboard, luncheon paper, newspaper or architects paper.

The use of paper in design is a trend currently popular in contemporary designing.

Always read the schedule carefully to ascertain whether artificially coloured plant material is allowed.

Paper is a versatile design medium, however use with care and remember actual plant material needs to be the 'star' in your design.

Designs from WAFA Boston