Paper, Care and Shelter

Description:

An immersive experience in the heart of nature, to regenerate with your hands what seemed lost.

In this handmade paper workshop, we will start with recycled paper to create new sheets—unique and poetic—enriched with leaves, flowers, and natural fragments.

Through slow gestures, warm water, contact with materials, and shared work, we will experience a creative process that is also care and transformation.

During the weekend, we will learn to:

• Prepare waste paper for reuse

• Use warm water and a blender to create the pulp

• Create individual sheets using wooden frames

• Decorate paper with natural elements

• Build your own small frame to take home during free time

Duration

Intensive weekend from July 11, 2025 (afternoon) to July 13, 2025 (afternoon)

Includes full board and accommodation in a mountain refuge.

Programme :

Friday

• Arrival in the afternoon and welcome

• Shared dinner and opening circle

Saturday

• Introduction to handmade paper

• Preparing pulp and creating the first sheets

• Decorating with natural elements

• Free-time construction of personal small frames

• Dinner and group sharing

Sunday

• Final touches and drying

• Free time or individual finishes

• Closing circle and farewell lunch

Materials

All basic materials are provided.

Participants are welcome to bring their own recycled paper and natural items for inclusion.

Facilitator Biography

Maria Maddalena Altea is an art therapist, artist, trainer, and facilitator of creative workshops across various institutions.

In both her personal and professional practice, she has a strong preference for using recycled materials, giving them new life and purpose.

She sees and uses the creative process as a regenerative opportunity for self-care and personal growth.

Location

Portico alla Gioia – Gola di Lago

A retreat immersed in nature with indoor and outdoor spaces for creative practice.

Full board with natural cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients.

Participation Fee

CHF 490.–

(includes:

CHF 280.– workshop activities

CHF 210.– food and accommodation)

Info and registration: ARS VITAE ACADEMY

Tel. 091.943.3033 Cell. 079.601.2904