The Sheila Roderick runs a hand weaving shed on the small island of Scalpay in the Western Isles. They use linen fibre. During the weaving process there is some natural wastage of threads. That’s good news for me, as linen also makes great paper! I have a serious machine for beating rag into pulp which is being put through it’s paces while I experiment with all the linen scraps sent to my by Sheila.

This year I’ve made the covers for the IAPMA (International Association of Hand papermakers and Paper Artists) Bulletin journal issue with the theme of ‘Journeys’, using my Scalpay linen paper to make them. Inspired by traditional Nepalese papers sizes, the Bulletins are covered with papers measuring 16cm x 65cm. I used a custom made mould and deckle from Tony King in Edinburgh, so my papers are made the exact size. All 400 covers are now ready to post to the editor in Australia where they will then be attached to the bulletins and sent to members around the globe.

Click here to read more about the IAPMA. Do visit the Scalpay Weaving Shed website too by clicking here.