1) What is Handmade Paper?
Handmade paper is a layer of entwined fibres , held together by the natural internal bonding properties of cellulose fibres, lifted by hand, sheet by sheet, on moulds in suspension of fibres in water.

2) Where did Handmade Paper originate?
Handmade Paper making is an ancient art, the origin of which can be traced in India as early as 3rd century B.C. The art was promoted & became popular & touched its zenith during the moghul period which was the golden period for this art & almost all the important cities had dwellings known as “Kagzipura”.

3) What is the manufacturing process for Handmade Paper?
The principal raw material earlier used for making these papers was jute gunny bags & waste paper. The gunny bags would be cut into pieces & soaked in lime water for around ten days for softening the fibre .This mass was then pounded by means of mallets to make pulp. The paper now made, uses cotton waste from garment factories.

The pulp thus formed is put into vats along with water. The mixture is stirred with a stick for mixing .Grass or Bamboo mats made up specially for screening the pulp are then dipped manually into the vat for lifting a desired quantity of pulp which is then pressed to form layers of paper. The beauty of handmade papers is accentuated by the addition of various types of natural substances like jute threads, flowers, straw etc. The process of manufacture also allows experimentation with a host of colours.

The current system of manufacture is the same as that during the ancient era except that a mimimal amount of simple machinery is used for certain bulk operations.

4) Why are Handmade Papers environment friendly?
Every ton of handmade paper used, saves 2.65 tons of forest based produce which a ton of mill made paper would use. In other words handmade paper is 100% wood free and it saves an estimated 277 Eucalyptus trees or 462 Bamboo trees which would be required to produce the same quantity of mill made paper.

Apart from the above, the consumption of water & electricity per ton of paper in case of handmade paper is only about 10% of that of conventional mill made paper.

5) What are the different types of Handmade Paper made?
The range of Hand made papers is limited only to ones imagination .Handmade Papers allow a lot of flexibility in terms of colours, textures, inclusions, value additions etc. & hence a trial with various permutations and combinations can throw up some brilliant results. However the papers commonly made are:

a) Natural Mottled Papers: These are papers with inclusions of straw, banana, gunny, tea dust, rice husk, bagasse, sea & reservoir algae, wool & silk, mica etc.

b) Garden Papers: Papers mottled with marigold & aster flowers, small leaves & grass.

c) Marbled Papers: A rich variety of papers marbled by dispersing enamel paints on water by hand fan & bamboo stick.

d) Leatherette Papers: These papers give a leather like feel, effect & sheen overall.

e) Moonrock Papers: These are papers which have small crater like texture

f) Coloured Papers: These are plain papers with fine graining which gives a distinct look to them. The colours range from pale tints to strong deep hues.

g) Broom Papers are those papers which have a natural texture of broom sticks.

h) Starch Coated Papers are those which are coated with a layer of starch to add depth to the colour. This process also gives a slightly smooth finish to the paper.

i) Value Added Papers: These are papers which use any of the above papers as base and are then worked upon by using the various processes of screen printing, embossing foiling, flocking, embroidery etc. Usually the design is completed by using two or more processes to give a unique look.

I) Embossed Papers are those which are overall embossed using rollers of various designs

II) Embroidered Papers carry a free style all-over machine embroidery with different types of thread.

III) Crushed Papers are those which give a crushed look to the paper.

lV) Pearl Finished Papers are those which are coated with a layer of pearl finished colours & which then give a similar look.

V) Screen Printed Papers are printed with select designs either in single colour or multi colour patterns depending on their utility.

VI) Foiled Papers are those on which the designs are foil stamped instead of being printed. The uniformity, depth and brightness is in- comparable and very unlike screen printed papers. The choice of foil colours today is varied and ranges from the traditional gold and silver to pink, black and gunmetal etc..

VII) Wet Look Papers are those which have a shiny coating over embossed areas. This process gives the design a unique combination of matt and gloss finishes.

VIII) Flocked Papers are those on which Nylon/ Polyester flock is sprinkled on the design. The paper is then cured to ensure adhesion of flock and to give it a raised effect.

6) Does Handmade Paper Last?
Hand made Paper is highly long-lasting due to its inherent strength of dispersed Cotton fibres. Its life is much more than conventional Mill Made Papers.

7) Can I use Handmade Papers for writing or taking printouts?
You can easily write on most of the handmade papers except some rough textured papers or silk fibre papers etc. on a well sized handmade paper, writing even with a fountain pen is possible. You can print smooth Hand made paper on a Inkjet or Laser Printer, but you should avoid using rough textured or mottled papers for the same.

8) Are Handmade Papers acid-free?
By process, Hand made papers are acid-free but some colours /embellishments and exposure to sun for drying, or sizing, may make its pH slightly acidic. Acid free paper is a paper that has no acidity. Degree of acid found in a given paper is measured by its pH level. A pH level of 0 to 7 is classified as acidic as opposed to 8 to 14, which is classified as alkaline.

9) How can I buy the products listed on the website?
Since we have not yet started online selling, you will have to mail us the “Enquiry Form” listed on the “Enquiry link” giving details of the products you would be interested in along with the quantities required.

We shall revert back along with a quote & delivery schedule. In case of items not in stock we will inform you of the time required for the delivery. In case of ex-stock items despatch can be effected within 2 days of receipt of payment.

10) How do you do the shipping?
We generally ship thru Fedex. They have a delivery time of 48-72 hours for most of the places. The shipping costs will be informed to you along with the quote. You also have the option of selecting your own courier for which we will need your Account No. & authorisation for despatch.

11) How do I make payment for my purchase?
This is very simple & safe. Upon your confirmation, we will give you the bank account details & you can send in a telegraphic transfer thru your banker. You also have an option of sending a Demand Draft payable at Mumbai, India for the requisite amount.

12) How do I go about if I want to get something customized?
This is not very bothersome. You just have to send us a detailed description of the product you want, along with the exact dimensions & the quantities required. It would help if you could mail us a photograph of the product, though it is not absolutely essential. We can then send you our most competitive quote for your perusal. We would generally require the following information from you:

a) Preference of type of papers. (Handmade, Recycled Kraft, Mill made)
b) Preference of colour.
c) Type of printing (Screen, Offset)
d) Value addition required if any (Embossing, Foiling, U/V, etc.)
e) Dimensions (Width, Height, and Depth in cms.)
f) Description of the product as far as available.
g) Specific usage to which the product will be put.
h) Order quantity.
i) Date of delivery.

13) Is it possible to get sampling done before I confirm the order?
We always welcome any sampling request. We charge very nominally for the samples & you will have to bear the courier charges. On receipt of any sampling request we shall mail you the combined charges for the same.

14) Is it possible to order very small quantities?
Yes Definitely! We do not grade or prioritise our customers on the basis of their volume of dealing/prospective dealing with us. We strongly believe in a satisfied customer & welcome all orders however small or large.