Art at the Farm: Traditional Papermaking with Fresh Press Studios

Sunday, October 11, 2026

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Discover the art and tradition of making paper by hand with Fresh Press Studios! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll explore the traditional Western papermaking process and get hands-on experience creating your own sheets of paper using natural fibers.

Fresh Press Studios is bringing the papermaking process to Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery for an afternoon of creativity, craftsmanship, and exploration. Working with miscanthus and cotton fibers, you'll learn how plant material can be transformed into beautiful handmade paper while practicing techniques you can continue exploring in the studio.

What You'll Do

You'll be introduced to the traditional Western papermaking process and learn how different fibers are prepared and used to create handmade sheets.

With guided instruction from Fresh Press Studios, you'll use a mould and deckle to pull your own sheets of paper from a prepared fiber pulp. You'll work with both miscanthus and cotton fibers, giving you the opportunity to experience their different textures and qualities.

Pre-made handmade paper will also be available for you to use to create cards during the workshop, and everyone will leave with handmade sheets to take home.

You'll Learn

• An introduction to traditional Western papermaking

• How natural fibers are used to create handmade paper

• The characteristics of miscanthus and cotton fibers

• How to use a mould and deckle

• Techniques for pulling and forming sheets of paper

• The basic steps of the papermaking process

• Creative ways to use handmade paper

What's Included

• Miscanthus and cotton fibers

• Use of papermaking tools and equipment

• Hands-on instruction from Fresh Press Studios

• Materials for creating handmade cards

• Handmade paper sheets to take home

Event Details

Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

No previous papermaking experience is necessary. This workshop is designed for beginners and anyone interested in exploring the creative possibilities of handmade paper.

This workshop qualifies participants for studio hours at Fresh Press Studios.

Location: Prairie Fruits Farm Classroom

4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL

Photo Consent:

We love sharing photos from our workshops on social media and in our marketing materials. By attending this event, you consent to being photographed. If you prefer not to be included in photos, please let our staff know at check-in.

Parking & Location:

You can find general parking in the gravel lot. An ADA parking pad is available south of the Farm house. The classroom is located in the white building with the black trim west of the gardens. Check in at the Farm store in the front of the building.