The Paper Passion Project

Local Artwork:  Peacock at Allen Park     While walking around my neighborhood, I found another little, local library outside of someone's shop. While I'll usually take and leave a book, I noticed that this particular library offered artwork, as well! Of course, I had to run home, put together some kits of paper, and began thinking of my own art to contribute.       While I am not much of an artist, I will dabble in painting and charcoal every once in a while. After visiting Allen Park, I felt very inspired to paint what I had seen. So, here is my peacock from Allen Park! I hope that others will soon send me their beautiful art so my peacock isn't lonely on my blog.      Update (July 9, 2025): While this was originally published on June 18, 2025, I feel I must update what I ended up doing with this piece of artwork. A few days after I had put the kits and art into the library, I noticed this house with peacock decorations in its front la...

 June 11: Allen Park Cleanup  Dilapidated Gazebo at Allen Park     On June 11, 2025, Salt Lake City's Public Lands partnered with the Friends of Allen Park to create this cleanup! For two-and-a-half hours, we weeded, swept, and cut down overgrown grass. While there is still much work to do at Allen Park, it felt good contributing to the park's conservation project. Moreover, it felt even better to be contributing to my local community's joy. Although the impact of this project may seem years away—as there are still many more phases to complete this vision—I learned that many of those that were volunteering beside me had once lived there, visited often before the closure, and had even met Yda, who has been taking care of the peacocks.      While I could discuss Allen Park, it's rich history, and its future and current community impact forever, I will be saving that for a more detailed, future post. For now, I'll leave you with some additional photos of...

Step 3: Pulp in Mould and Deckle   Passion Paper Process: How It's Made     The first question I usually get asked when I tell someone about my paper-making hobby is "how do you make paper?"—a fair question considering it's more recycled than "made." While this blog post is not a tutorial, it will walk you briefly through the process with photos!  Shred Paper: Shred a variety of paper or all the same; whatever you chose will adjust your pulp consistency and color! Cardboard, lined paper, drawing paper, cardstock, printer paper, or colorful construction paper, just as long as it's not glossy or has any glue residue on it! Currently, my pulp tends to be a mix of some cardboard, yet mainly brown paper. This makes my paper more sturdy.  Soak and Blend: Soak the shredded paper for around 24 hours (long enough for the cardboard to soften, but not too long that an ecosystem starts growing in the water)! I use a designated paper blender that I got from a thrift...