Mulberry Paper

Mulberry papers are papers made from mulberry bark. Mulberry is actually the Western name for the plant from which the kozo fibers are derived. Mulberry papers are made from kozo and other similar fibers. They have distinct fibers running through the papers. Some papers have finer fibers that are not noticable. They are available in a huge range of colors in both light weight and smooth and textured handmade styles. They are sized and acid free.

Mulberry papers are made in Japan, Thailand and China. They are also called kozo paper and saa paper.

Mulberry papers cannot be cut, they are torn. There are two basic tearing methods:

• Fold the paper from where you want to cut it. Then lick along the edges and the paper will tear easily leaving a beautiful fuzzy edge.
• To tear curves and shapes, use a cotton swab dipped in water to draw the shape onto the paper. This wets and loosen the fibers. It is then easy to tear.

Making of Mulberry Paper

• Crush and boil the mulberry bark in alkali water to detach the tissues.
• Wash the tissues with fresh water.
• Put the mulberry tissues in a tank full of water.
• Stir it well and beat them into small pieces.
• Place a frame in the water and spread mulberry tissue throughout the frame.
• You can decorate the sheet with dried petals and leaves or dye the sheet with different colors by adding the required color to the sheet.
• Lift the frame from water and dry the sheet in sunshine.
• Remove the sheet from the frame and allow it to dry completely.
• This gives out a splendid mulberry paper.

Applications of Mulberry Papers

• The versatile mulberry paper is the best for art paper.
• It is very pretty stuff and can be used in all sorts of crafts applications.
• Mulberry paper indeed makes a great accent to your scrapbook pages.
• These are said to be the perfect accent paper.
• Used as an overlay, the edges are feathered to create an antique look when wet and then torn.
• They are perfect to use as an insert for your wedding invitations.