Handmade Lokta Paper

In the heart of the Himalayas, Nepalese artisans use a traditional process of ancient paper making to craft these sheets. Lokta paper comes from the bark of the Daphne plant (known locally as Lokta), a shrub that grows in abundance at altitudes over 6500 feet. When the bark is harvested it promotes new growth on the plant, and the bush automatically fully regenerates itself in about 5 years. With controlled harvest, the process is both sustainable and eco-friendly. 

Since it comes from a shrub instead of a tree, the fibers are longer, which results in a  paper is known for its durability, flexibility, and soft texture. The paper making process and subsequent screen printing is 100% handmade using simple technology and local raw materials. The artisans crafting the paper are mostly women.

This handmade process means that each sheet is unique. Colors, paper weight, and the way the screen printed image looks will vary. This is all part of the unique charm of artisanal goods.