About the Workshop

Learn the basics of papermaking using natural, local materials and the traditional techniques of  the craftswomen of Iraq al Amir. Paper production in this region uses limited water resources, and can be manipulated by adding vivid colors, textures, and patterns using local plants, herbs, and spices. Participants will experiment with fallen palm leaves, grass, flowers, sumac, red henna, saffron, rose leaves, paprika, tea and local coffee. The paper is tactile, and smells beautifully of the herbs and spices used, evoking the spirit of the charming village of and its people.

Arabic / Free / Seats are limited. Register here.

About Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative Association

Supported by Noor Al-Hussein Foundation, the Association of Iraq Al Amir Women was founded to support the livelihood of women in Iraq Al Amir and preserve their heritage. In May 2015, Lina Kanafani, Founder of Mint design gallery in London, invited designers Jenny Hier and Eva Schlechte of Studio Gutedort to hold a papermaking workshop at the association. The outcome was a paper dough that requires little water and is dyed using natural herbs and spices. A second workshop was undertaken in Spring 2016 to add new ideas, techniques and designs to their textile collection. Using alkanna root, red cabbage, pomegranate skin, onion peel and black tea, a color spectrum was explored to create a new collection of natural colored and hand-woven textiles on the dobby looms.

The participation of Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative Association is supported by Al Shams Al Mushriqa, an organization whose goal is to provide support and comfort to rural women in order to reduce poverty.