Naheed Hafiz

“Handmade paper is eco-friendly, biodegradable and looks beautiful,” says Juhu resident Naheed Hafiz, who has made it her mission to popularise the use of handmade paper.

Naheed conducts workshops to teach how to make handmade paper and various products made out of paper. She has conducted workshops for educational institutes like Jamnabai Narsee and National College, Bandra. “I teach children how to re-use journals and cardboard boxes lying at home,” says Naheed.

She regularly holds workshops at home where she teaches the art of recycling and papermaking. At these workshops, you can learn to make different types of papers like vegetable dyed, textile, jute paper and moon rock-effect paper.

“I teach students to use this paper to make envelopes, bags, letter pads, bookmarks and gift-wrapping papers,” says Naheed. She charges Rs 750 for a two-day workshop which is inclusive of all material.

Some of the handmade paper products that Naheed makes

“Making handmade paper is a simple process,” explains Naheed. “I use old papers, exercise books, wool waste, cotton rags, onion or garlic peels, dried flowers, rose petals and grated orange peel. To add a fragrance, you can use cardamom flakes or kadi patta.” All this is mixed in water, then soaked, made into pulp in a mixer, and then dried and ironed into sheets.

Naheed sells her colourful products like diaries, pen stands, bags and envelopes by holding exhibitions two to three times a year. This mother of two sons says she has been making handmade paper for the last seven years. She plans to open a store soon in the suburbs to retail her products.

Call 6607707