Discover Burnie

paper making tour

In the 1990s Creative Paper began as a Work for the Dole project, exploring paper making by hand, using traditional methods and unique local fibres.

Fibres as unique as roo poo and wombat poo, apple pulp, lavender and rainforest leaves. All manner of plants and recycled materials can be used to make paper if they have the right properties

Expertise has been developed and techniques refined over the years and Creative Paper now produces a range of value added items for specialist markets. The beautiful folios, journals, cards and paper products are produced by hand from a range of unique papers hand made in Burnie.

Creative Paper has, over time, become the nucleus for all manner of orbiting artists and creative ideas. In November 2009 Creative Paper moved from its old factory home to be front and centre at Burnie’s new visitor centre, the Makers’ Workshop.

Not only do we get to make paper but we get to experiment with new fibres and colours. Every sheet we make is unique and individual. I love explaining the process to visitors who take the tour, because most people can relate to some aspect of it. They get something out of it and are happier for their experience.

DARREN SIMPSON

paper maker

Artists, Pam Thorne and Ruth Rees collaborated on numerous large papier mâché projects in Burnie between 1996 and 2007, before continuing with their individual arts practices.

You can find their life sized papier mâché sculptures at the Makers’ Workshop, Burnie Regional Art Gallery, Hellyers Road Distillery, Pioneer Village Museum and the Burnie City Council offices.