Nepalese handmade paper is made by Lokta; refers to Daphne Cannabina. The bark of the Lokta is harvested by hand without killing the plant. The Lokta then regenerates and can be re-harvested in approximately 5 - 7 years. This paper is generally produced in the hills of western Nepal and it is excellent for its rough attractive texture, it`s durability and it`s resistance to insects. We use age-old process for making this paper that is 100% hand made and chemical free.

MAKING OF LOKTA PAPER

a. Raw material
Shrubs of Daphne from Thymelaeaceae family found at the altitude of 6000 feet to 10,000 feet are used as raw material for hand made paper. Its greatest strengths are durability and easy to recycle. The paper making process covers

b. Making pulp
The shrubs are beaten with wooden hammer and then boiled for around two hours. When the pulp is ready, coloring elements and other materials for inclusion are added to the pulp.

c. Making the paper sheet
Rectangular frames made of wood or bamboo with plain cloth or galvanized net is floated in big tubs where the pulp is poured and spread over evenly.

d. Drying
The frame is dried in the sunlight. When the pulp is dry enough to extract form the frame, the paper sheet is ready. The whole process of papermaking is manual and thus called hand made paper.