Iranian Artist Makes Charming Handicraft from Recycled Paper, Cardboard

“The idea of making handicraft from recycled paper and cardboard for home businesses is artistic and practical with an entrepreneurial approach,” Fatemeh Lotfi Rizi, the producer of handicrafts from Islamic Azad University’s Lanjan branch, told ANA on the sidelines of ‘Asreh Omid Event' in Tehran.

"Papier-mâché technique is an idea to make handicrafts like pencil cases, mirrors and vases, etc. by using waste paper, recycled cardboard and boxes,” she added.

Lotfi Rizi described papier-mâché as one of the simplest arts that can be exciting for all ages, and said, “This applied economical art whose costs depend on the used raw materials can be a very good source of income, specially for home businesses.”

“Miniature is a popular handicraft and one of the original arts in Iran. Miniature motifs are very widespread and varied, and one of the surfaces that is widely decorated with miniatures today is Khatamkari backgammon,” she added, noting that the surfaces for miniature-decorated backgammons can also be made by papier-mâché.

Lotfi Rizi expressed the hope that the original arts, including papier-mâché, which are not only enjoyable and relaxing but are also practical and money-making, would further expand and the ground would be paved for their exports to the neighboring countries.

Papier-mâché is a composite material consisting of paper pieces or pulp, sometimes reinforced with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, starch, or wallpaper paste.

There are two methods to prepare papier-mâché. The first method makes use of paper strips glued together with adhesive, and the other uses paper pulp obtained by soaking or boiling paper to which glue is then added.

Asreh Omid Event was held in Tehran's Mosalla from May 29 to June 1, 2022.

The event aimed to exhibit new achievements and products in the technological and innovation arenas in line with opening new windows towards strengthening the idea of creating ground for knowledge-based businesses at the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Azad University.

Some 3,000 knowledge-based companies, laboratories, research centers, and startups took part in Asreh Omid Event.

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