Fresh Press Paper

Located in Champaign IL, Fresh Press Paper utilizes agricultural waste and transforms it into handmade paper and paper art. Associate Professor of Graphic Design Eric Benson walks us through the process, and we pull our own sheets of paper with studio managers and artists e. ainsley and Meredith Hislope. There are so many opportunities to get creative, including dying pulp, adding flowers, or incorporating designs and patterns.  

Fresh Press obtains fibers such as corn, rye, and prairie grass from the Sustainable Student Farm. Forget trees! Here, they are reviving ancient papermaking techniques using materials straight from the field. First, the crops are harvested and chipped down to a reasonable working size. The grasses are then cooked and beaten to a pulp—literally!—using a traditional Hollander beater before sheets are pulled using a mould and deckle. Sheets are layered and pressed to remove excess water before being placed in a dry box where it rests for about 12 hours.  

Papermaking is a very accessible artform, and the makers at Fresh Press hope to inspire, educate, and foster in others a deeper connection with both art and the environment. 

Interested in making your own paper? Fresh Press hosts community workshops throughout the year. Visit their website for more information.