The direction of cardboard
The direction of cardboard
The direction of cardboard
Papers and similis
Maybe you like to cover your cartonnages with paper or simulated leather without knowing the differences between each of them. Do not hesitate to consult the "Tools and Supplies" page to find some online stores, but in the meantime, here are some clarifications:
The papers
Nepalese paper
Nepalese Paper is called Lokta. It is handcrafted from the bark of a shrub of the same name found in the Himalayas, using a manual technique unchanged for millennia.
Its fibers are visible and it has irregular contours. Very strong, it does not tear or crease.
It is found in a large number of colors and patterns. It can have inclusions of plants, be printed with a pad or with the batik technique, with wax.
Perfect for cartonnage, its transparency and its resistance to light allow it to be used also to make lampshades or candle holders.
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Japanese paper
Washi is the Japanese word for paper made from
the fibers of the mulberry tree.
It has been handcrafted in Japan since the 7th
century and has been listed since 2014 in the intangible
heritage of humanity. This paper is both flexible and resistant
and is very easy to use on cardboard boxes.
There are several types including Yuzen,
Chiyogami or Katazomeshi paper whose names depend on
the printing techniques used, patterns (often inspired by those
of kimono) and colors.
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Indian paper
Indian papers are handcrafted in different regions of the country from recycled cotton fibers. For a more refined paper, it can be sprinkled with herbs, flower petals or silk threads before being pressed.
The prints are made from inked stamps, sometimes in several passes and some papers are even re-embroidered.
The Papertree brand includes more than 600 references!
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Italian papers
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Italian papers are good quality papers made mechanically. There is a very wide variety of themes and patterns sometimes even enhanced with gold powder.
Among the most famous brands, we will note Tassoti or Kartos.
Be careful, you will have to look for the direction of their fibers before sticking them on your cardboard boxes if you do not want bubbles!
Who says simili immediately thinks of leather. And indeed, we can find simulated with the appearance of ostrich skin, crocodile, lizard, python and other shagreen (which by the way is a fish). But you can also use imitations of canvas, linen, jeans, silk, or oilcloth. Some even have the appearance of more or less hammered metal, wood, velvet or fur.
Combine several textures, even with fabric, and your cardboard boxes will be even more refined.
One thing is sure, use only the paper-based similis that are much easier to glue
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You will have understood the range of all these materials is endless and your creativity will have no limit.
Marbled paper
Nepal with Lokta, and India produce it in an artisanal way, but if it was invented in Asia in the 8th century and its technique was imported to Europe at the end of the 16th. Florence quickly became the international reference and its marbled papers are now mainly produced there industrially.
It should be noted, however, that there is still a very strong artisanal tradition in the bookbinding workshops of Florence and Venice.
The Similis
There are a large number of simulated leather , the best known of which is undoubtedly Skivertex®. But beware Skivertex® is a registered trademark (manufactured and distributed by the firm FiberMark) and not a material. Unfortunately there are many imitations of much lower quality which will not be detected most of the time until gluing.