papermade

Papermade is a term used in design and crafts to describe objects and processes that rely primarily on paper or paper fibers as their main material. The term covers both traditional papermaking practices and contemporary applications where paper-based substrates drive form, texture, and function. Papermade works can range from sculptural pieces and furniture to packaging, lighting, and decorative objects.

Materials and methods: Papermade projects use various types of paper and fiber blends, including recycled paper, cotton or wood pulp, and agro-residual fibers. Techniques include sheet forming with molds, pulp casting and molding, paper pulp sculpting, as well as flatter practices such as origami, kirigami, collage, and papier-mâché. Finishes may incorporate laminates, coatings, or mineral pigments to improve durability or appearance.

History and terminology: While papermaking as a craft originated in Asia and spread globally over centuries, the contemporary use of papermade as a design descriptor emerged with modern sustainable design movements that favored paper as a renewable resource.

Applications and sustainability: Papermade materials are lightweight, recyclable, and biodegradable, properties that make them attractive for packaging, architecture models, temporary installations, and consumer products. Critics note limitations in durability and moisture sensitivity, prompting innovations in coatings and fiber blends.

See also: Papermaking, Paper art, Papier-mâché, Recycled paper.