Paper Sources for Felting

In the workshop, I provide full information on papers to look for and many sources that are all tried and tested.

To simplify the process for you, here is a short list, to get you started!

There are two readily available papers that work very well for feltmaking.

Thai Kozo paper: 35-45 gsm, top choice for felting. Strong, durable but easy to felt in. Natural white in colour.

Classic Kitakata: felts very well and easily and has a soft golden tint when dry. Excellent weight for felting: 35gsm

The Awagami Factory in Yoshinogawa village (on Shikoku island) in Japan, makes the kitakata paper. They have many retailers all around the world. https://awagami.com/

You can find retailers in your country, here: https://awagami.com/blogs/where-to-shop

Awagami Kitikata: felts very well and easily and has a soft golden tint when dry. Excellent weight for felting: 35gsm

Another excellent international source for paper is to order it directly from Thailand:

Kozo Studio: https://kozo.studio/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21884590258&gbraid=0AAAAAo_jn-Hp54SE3hcVhHK33hpUPleKY&gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUl-3aEHd1h6DULiz86R10e1PpZRn8WfrJ68f8Nv0glrTG9LdCOxHNxoCuRoQAvD_BwE

These papers ship directly from Thailand. The shipping is quick and inexpensive. If you are interested in knowing which papers they carry that felt well, please do email me. I know some of you will be tempted to order over their $99 amount to get free shipping!

You can also buy these papers through the Kozo Studio Etsy store and they do also have an Amazon store.:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/market/kozo_paper

Here is a short list of paper suppliers by country:

Canada:

The Japanese Paper Place is a major wholesaler of papers throughout North America. You can find a list of those retailers here:

https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/store-locator/

The Paper Place (online): https://shop.thepaperplace.ca/
Paper Ya: Granville Island, Vancouver: http://paper-ya.com/
Au Papier Japonais: Montreal, Quebec: http://www.aupapierjaponais.com/
South Hollow Art Studio Courtney BC https://www.southhollow.ca/
Opus, BC :https://store.opusartsupplies.com/

Papers from The Japanese Paper Place: Classic Kitakata 35gsm

USA:

- Blick: Blick carries a great range of papers from suppliers: Awagami, Legion and GPC

This is my number 1, go to paper for all felting projects: 100% Mulberry- Thai Kozo: 35g/m²: https://www.dickblick.com/products/thai-kozo-paper/

- Kitakata: https://www.dickblick.com/products/kitakata-paper/

Hiromi Paper https://www.hiromipaper.com/
- https://store.hiromipaper.com/collections/31-70g-m-weight/products/kitakata-natural

UK: Shepherds: https://store.bookbinding.co.uk/store/department/95/Japanese-Art-%26-Repair-Paper/

Spain: La Dominoteria https://ladominoteria.com/

Germany: Pulp/Papier https://www.pulp-papier.com/

France: Les Papiers de Lucas: https://les-papiers-de-lucas.com/

Australia: Melbourne Etching: https://www.mes.net.au/category/756-awagami-papers

NOTE: None of these retailers/wholesalers or producers will be able to recommend papers that felt. This is not something they are familiar with at all! The key things to look for are:

Mostly natural fibres: I would not buy anything that is less than 80% cellulose fibre- the kozo, gampi, etc. Many papers will have a cellulose sulphate pulp filler, which will not felt well.
Check to see if it is unsized. Sizing is designed to repel water, so this inhibits felting.
Check the weights- look for between 30 g/m² to 60 g/m².