We were experimenting with Konnyaku starch on some of our papers.

(Konnyaku makes paper stronger and resistant)

1/4 Teaspoon on a 1/2 cup of warm water is mixed and constantly stired for 30 minutes. After the Paste starts to thicken we stired it perodically for 3 more hours.

The ready-to-use paste is applied with a brush onto the paper: Thick papers on both sides, thin papers on one side. How much is needed is actually depending on the paper you use. But there is not much you can do wrong and experience will help.

The paper soaked in the paste is now folded and crumpled and squeezed. Then let it rest a bit, unfold it, crumple and squeeze it again.

Unfold it again and let it dry. It doesn't take too long!

We used different kinds of paper: Lokta, Kozo tissue, thin Hanji, Akebono Washi, Hanji, another Lokta and Chiyogami (from bottom to top). And this is how the papers looked after the treatment.

To test the paper we made a small bag. Handstiched and with a thread to open and close. It works good and feels and looks great. For this we used Katazome Paper.

The possibilities with this kind of treated papers seem endless and we can't wait to see what you all will do with it.