Hand Papermaking, Inc.

Many members of the book arts community knew of Jim Croft, his superbly wrought medieval bookbindings, and his unique off the grid workshops in rural Idaho. Jim was an unusual human being; charismatic, yet thoroughly humble and accessible at the same time. We were saddened by the news of Jim’s passing on October 14th of 2025 but we can all take heart and be comforted by Cale Stelken’s touching portrait of Jim and his natural ability to inspire others. See the 18 minute film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=234yIYJ9-ns

On a related note, any members of the community who would like to help nurture the nascent “New Old Ways” forthcoming workshops please visit the GoFundMe site here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/new-old-ways-continuing-the-legacy-of-jim-croft

The workshops are designed to carry on Jim’s work and are being organized by Brien Biedler and Mary Sullivan, two of Jim’s close associates.

— Tim Barrett

We have added a quick link in our bio to the GoFundMe site if folks would like to support and nurture “New Old Ways” forthcoming workshops.

We know quite a few paper studios are gearing up for their annual kozo harvests, so we want to know:

What’s your favorite plant to harvest for papermaking?

Kozo, cattail, milkweed, flax… we want to hear what you’re harvesting!

Hosting a fiber harvest event? Share the when & where below!
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A reminder, Hand Papermaking will host a virtual FAQ session next Thursday, October 8, 7pm ET to answer questions from prospective applicants.

To sign up for the session (or to let us know that you cannot make that date and time), email: [email protected] by Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

You can read more about the application process and guideline by visiting the link in our bio!
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May Babcock (May Babcock) giving an awesome talk about her work as an “ecological citizen” and artist at the NAHP conference (North American Hand Papermakers)!

May Babcock was our guest editor of our Winter 2023, Ecology and Paper issue of Hand Papermaking magazine!

Reposting Sara Garden Armstrong today!

“I’m so glad to be a part of Rooted in Fiber, the 2026 North American Hand Papermakers Members Showcase Exhibition in Baltimore, Maryland!

Rooted in Fiber brings together the work of North American Hand Papermakers members, highlighting the many personal approaches to hand papermaking and the fibers, processes, and connections that shape the work.

Opening Reception
Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM
Rosenberg Gallery at the Maryland Institute College of Art 🖼️ Brown Center | 1301 W. Mt. Royal Ave., Baltimore, MD

Exhibiting Artists: Veronica Pham 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗬 𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗠, Amanda Degener Amanda Degener, Rob Cook, Jillian Sico Jillian Sico, Melissa Harshman Harshman, Sara Garden Armstrong Sara Garden Armstrong, Jill Odegaard Jill Odegaard, Lisa Cirando, Lujiang Li, Nicole Malcolm , Alyssa Sacora Alyssa, M. Robyn Wall M. Robyn Wall, Sally Rose Sally Rose, Kerri Cushman Kerri Cushman, Savannah Bustillo Savannah Bustillo, Jill Powers EcoArtist, Jess Santana Jess A Santana, Mia Brown-Seguin mia brown-seguin

Curatorial Team: Isa Díaz-Barriga and Aidan Anne Frierson”

Happy NAHP conference week!! 🥳

Some style inspiration for the upcoming North American Hand Papermakers conference 🤭

Jokes aside, if you want to rep some of our merch next week, you can shop our merch site via the link in our bio! 👕✨
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Sharing from North American Hand Papermakers !

“🌿 FRIDAY DAY 2 of Rooted in Fiber: Celebrating 40
Years of Hand Papermaking Magazine 🌿

9:30am-10:30am Anita Lynn Forgach Keynote - Mina Takahashi, Michael Durgin, Amanda Degener

11:00am-11:30am May Babcock 20 minute presentation with 10 minute Q+APlace, Plants, Belonging: Contemporary Sculpture Using Resonant
Natural Materials

1:00pm-3:00pm Demonstrations
• On View: Hand Papermaking’s Limited Edition Paper Portfolios
• Vietnamese Papermaking - Veronica Pham & James Ojascastro
• Pigments, Chemicals & Pulp: How they work together - Andrea
Peterson

4:00pm-4:30pm Susan Gosin- Dieu Donné 50th Anniversary Presentation 20 minute presentation with 10 minute Q+A

4:45pm-5:15pm MARIA MAGDALENA GONZALEZ PEREZ 20 minute presentation with 10 minute Q+A From fiber to identity: handmade paper packaging for small producers in Mexico”

We cannot wait for the upcoming NAHP Conference 🥳

A reminder, Hand Papermaking will host a virtual FAQ session on Thursday, October 8, 7pm ET to answer questions from prospective applicants.

To sign up for the session (or to let us know that you cannot make that date and time), email: [email protected] by Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

You can read more about the application process and guideline by visiting the link in our bio!
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