Handmade Himalayan Lokta Paper, 19″ x 29″, Handmade Paper with Bark, Decorative Paper for Bookbinding, Scrapbooking, Fine Arts

It is wonderful for use in many arts and crafts, including bookbinding cover paper or endpaper, collage, scrapbooking, and much more! It could also be used as gift wrap for that extra special gift.

HIMALAYAN LOKTA SHEET PAPER
Himalayan Lokta paper is entirely handmade in Nepal, using traditional Tibetan methods. It is made from the inner bark of the Daphne bush, which grows in the Himalayan regions of Tibet and Nepal at an altitude of 6,500′ – 11,000′ above sea level. The Daphne bush is locally known as ‘Lokta’ and it has the characteristic of regenerating after 4 to 5 years of being cut, thus preserving the fragile forest ecology.
The paper mold is floated in a pool of clear water, pulp is poured into the mold, the fibers are distributed evenly and mold is lifted carefully out of the water. The newly formed sheet is left to dry in the sun, on the mold. The dried sheets are then prepared to be used to create the varied group of paper products such as greeting cards, invitations, note books, photo albums and frames and gift wrapping etc. Some artists use this paper for their art works. The paper is fine-texture, strong, extremely durable and completely acid free.
In ancient time, this paper was used for writing and printing Mantras for Buddhist prayer books. This paper was also popular in using as legal documents in Tibet and Nepal. The first Tibetan currency in paper form was printed in this special paper, during the centuries of Tibetan independence.

ABOUT THE SUPPLIER
A Canadian-Tibetan born in Nepal, Phurbu’s lifetime of of knowledge of Tibetan handicrafts and the artisans who create them gives him a unique perspective when choosing products and papers. Trained in the art of handmade paper in Kathmandu, Phurbu brings his love and knowledge of the craft when selecting papers for the store. Working closely with local Tibetan & Nepalese artists has been a huge inspiration to him. Since Phurbu imports directly from Nepal and India, he can provide you with environmentally friendly, fair trade certified products of the highest quality at very reasonable prices. His close link to the artisans allows him to ensure that they are fairly compensated and that no child labour is used in the creation of any item.