I found Suho Paper Memorial Museum when I was planning for my first solo trip to Taiwan back in 2013. At that point, I had already started getting interested in workshops / experiences when I travel, and I was glad to find a place where I could learn to make paper.
I remember the museum / workshop to be quite a small place (one of the shopfronts in a street), but as with many establishments in Taipei, it was a quaint and cosy space. There was a shop in front where one can shop for paper products, and a working space at the back. The second / third floors comprised of some exhibits on the history of paper making, with some interactive stations.
There was also a lovely rooftop area where paper-making classes were sometimes held (but not the one I participated in).
View of workshop in Suho Paper Memorial Museum
The above indoor workshop on the ground floor was the same one I worked out of in my short paper making session. I like that it was not a “formal” class at a fixed time – you arrive at any time and the staff would provide personal guidance on the process. That being said, I went in the middle of a weekday, so it might be more “structured” if there are busier crowds.
Equipment used to make paper
During the workshop, we did not use every single equipment photographed above – mainly only the stuff on the bottom half of the photo. The space was supposed to replicate equipment at a paper mill, and they probably simplified several steps for newbies like me 🙂
Here is the rough process from my memory:
We had to “sieve” pulp from a container (dark pink small rectangular one on bottom right of above photo) using “frames” to form the shape of the paper (the frame is on the table in the centre of the photo).
We then had to use some rough paper to press the water out of the pulp we were shaping, while compressing the pulp as well.
Finally, we pressed the paper on some heated surfaced to dry it completely.
My output – splotchy piece of pink paper
Mother and daughter trying their hands at making paper
Rooftop paper making area
Details of the workshop
Duration: Less than an hour Price: TWD180 (~SGD8), and this included all the materials and entrance fee to the museum exhibits
Level of “fun”: 3/5
This was a nice and simple workshop to attend in the middle of a day visiting the sights of a city. I think most of us will have a vague idea of how paper is made – making it come to life is a lovely thing!
They even give you an adorable little certificate to congratulate you on your excellent performance 🙂
Certificate of completion of paper making activity :p
Level of difficulty: 1/5
This was a really simple workshop – of course, if one spent a bit more time and was more meticulous, you will probably end up with less splotchy paper. As there was also some heating element involved, some care needs to be taken as well. However, as seen in one of my photos above, a little girl was also going through the experience with her mum, so you can only imagine how easy it must be ❤
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