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The Art of Paste Papers
Learn historic paste paper techniques in this hands-on workshop. Create beautiful 3D decorative papers using colored paste, tools & brushes. All levels.
About the Class
Paste paper is one of the oldest decorated papers used by bookbinders, and can be found in books that are centuries old. Hundreds of years ago (a tradition that continues today), bookbinders would sometimes use up their leftover bookbinding paste by adding pigment to the mixture and brushing it out on surfaces to make decorative papers used in bookbinding. They would make strokes or stipple patterns with a brush in the paste, or use tools to draw or comb designs in the paper and then let it dry.
One of the distinctive qualities of paste paper is the rich 3-dimensional patterns and designs. This is achieved because when the paste is first applied to the paper and a pattern is made, the paste is thick with peaks and valleys. As the paper dries, the paste is sucked flat into the paper, leaving a 3-dimensional pattern on a 2-dimensional surface.
During this workshop students will learn about the history of paste paper. Together we will look at different samples and use different kinds of paste and tools to create decorative paper. This fun class focuses on color blending, textures, and graphic design on paper for artistic use in a variety of book arts or collage-focused art projects. Anything but ordinary, this is a hands-on class where participants will create beautiful custom decorative papers by applying colored starch paste to paper and manipulating it with tools to create patterns. Students will learn different recipes for making paste, how to create tools for mark making, and each individual will take home a full suite of papers made in this single session.
This special workshop welcomes beginners, and artists of all levels. The instructor will offer guided instruction in a supportive learning environment with a limited class size. The class materials fee will include paper and all the tools needed to create each of these projects.
Please note that since the papers need to dry before they can be safely taken home, students should arrange a time for later pick-up from our studio.
Please bring a bagged lunch to class or plan to buy something nearby.
About your Instructor
Bettina Pauly
Bettina Pauly was trained as a professional chef, then worked as a head server throughout Europe before she received a B.A. in Hotel-Economy from Hotel Management School in Heidelberg, Germany. After coming to the U.S. and working in hospitality, she went back to school and studied at the Academy of Art University San Francisco in the Fine Arts and Letterpress program under Chris Rolik, Dorothy Yule and Macy Chadwick. Bettina has also worked with Kim Vanderheiden at Painted Tongue Studios in Oakland, California, as a letterpress printer. She is very experienced with Heidelberg Windmill and Vandercook Press Machines. She has taught book arts and letterpress classes throughout the Bay Area at the Academy of Art, the O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, and at the San Francisco Center for the Book. Her award winning work has been presented in national and international collections and galleries including library collections at: St John’s/Saint Benedict College Minnesota, Savannah College of Art and Design, University of Denver, University of Colorado, San Jose State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Nebraska.
Bettina loves books and boxes both as physical objects and as containers of meaning. She is interested in a variety of folded, sewn and woven structures in which she can incorporate her printing. Bettina now lives in Sebastopol and is excited to work in her own studio space as well as starting to teach classes in West Sonoma County.
https://www.instagram.com/bpbookartandletterpress/
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
The Art of Paste Papers
Learn historic paste paper techniques in this hands-on workshop. Create beautiful 3D decorative papers using colored paste, tools & brushes. All levels.
Schedule
Saturday, June 6, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This Session
Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
18-overRegistration
Registration Cost:
$120
Materials Fee:
$15
Total Registration Cost:
$135
