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Budding designers discover the art of handmade papermaking
Graphic Design, EDD and Applied Art students gain practical insights into paper production, printing and sustainable design at Heritage Paper.
Students from Graphic Design (GDP), third semester; EDD, fifth semester; and Applied Art, fifth semester, of BTE of Apeejay Institute of Design (AID) visited Heritage Paper, Okhla Phase 1, New Delhi. Accompanied by faculty members, the educational visit aimed to provide practical exposure to handmade papermaking, printing techniques and paper product development, enabling students to connect classroom learning with traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design applications.
Established in 1996, Heritage Paper promotes traditional handmade papermaking while embracing environmentally sustainable production practices. The organisation uses cotton rags and agricultural by-products as raw materials to create paper, demonstrating how traditional processes can support resource conservation and responsible design.
During the visit, Mr. Shitij Anand, Partner, Heritage Paper, introduced the students to the organisation and shared insights into the history and significance of handmade paper in India. His interaction helped students appreciate the cultural relevance of the craft and understand its continued potential in the contemporary design industry.
The students explored an extensive range of handmade paper varieties, gaining an understanding of how texture, surface, finish and visual appeal influence creative applications. The collection included screen-printed, craft, marble, high-embossed, foil-embossed, cotton leather and mottled papers. Examining these varieties allowed students to observe the distinctive characteristics of different papers and consider their suitability for diverse graphic, packaging and product design requirements.
A key highlight of the visit was the tour of the production facility, where students witnessed various processes involved in transforming handmade paper into finished products. They observed techniques such as foil printing, embossing and laser cutting, gaining practical insights into the equipment, precision and craftsmanship required to achieve different finishes. The demonstrations also illustrated how traditional paper surfaces can be enhanced through contemporary printing and fabrication technologies.
The students further explored Heritage Paper’s range of handcrafted products, including gift boxes, paper bags, table mats, table runners, journals, photo frames, photo boxes, utility boxes and albums. These products offered examples of how handmade paper can be transformed into functional and aesthetically appealing objects. Students could appreciate the role of material selection, finishing techniques and design detailing in developing products for everyday use and gifting.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to understand the relationship between material, process and design. It also highlighted the importance of sustainable materials and traditional skills in contemporary creative practice.
By experiencing handmade papermaking and product development at close quarters, the students enhanced their understanding of printing, production and environmentally conscious design, while discovering new possibilities for incorporating traditional craftsmanship into innovative design solutions.
