[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 20px 0px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_element_video _id=”4″ ][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text style=”font-weight: 300;color: #a58333;”]
The Birth of A Journal is a short film on how Marina Vaptzarova’s journals are made. Each handcrafted product has stories of ancient know-how, ancestral tradition, skill and inspiration. This is the journey of the Salinar Journal from plant harvest to finish.
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Handmade designer journals are my specialty. They are recognized by their natural textures, bold and vibrant colours; a palette that I personally developed. All raw materials are handmade according to ancestral traditions of Nepal and are entirely natural and sustainable.
Each creation is solely sourcing from the most sustainable plants that regenerate rapidly thus preserving Nepal’s eco-system. A Marina Vaptzarova Journal can include Daphne paper, hemp weave, nettle weave, linen and Daphley – our innovative vegetal leather. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true” class=”subt” style=”margin-bottom:20px;”]Designing A Journal[/x_custom_headline][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS1.jpg” alt=”Sketching journal on Daphne Paper ” link=”false” href=”#” title=”Naga Tribe Pattern Textile” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Sketching the design for the Salinar Journal [/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]First of all, ideas or images come into my head; I am not sure where they come from!
I try to materialise these images and consequently transform them into a physical product. Through this process I consider the design aesthetics and functionality. Several steps and few sample trials with my team are required before it gets finalised. The technicalities and quality of the finishing are also an important part of the process.
In some cases, brass pieces are added to my designs. Each piece is hand-carved by the native artisans of Kathmandu from the Newar community. This community of craftsmen is esteemed for their ancestral expertise as goldsmiths and silversmiths, all over Nepal and the nearby countries. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 10px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true” class=”subt” style=”margin-bottom:20px;”]Daphne Paper[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]Daphne paper (or Lokta in Nepalese) finds its source in one of the most natural and sustainable plant fibres. The Daphne shrub reaches full maturity in only six years and naturally regenerates due to its harvest. This durable and natural paper is created by the long and naturally self-adhesive Daphne fibres. Daphne has earned an essential place in Nepalese society for centuries, as mentioned in my previous post.[/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]This is a truly exceptional sustainable plant! Most noteworthy is that 75% of the regrowth is due to cutting the plant. It has to be cut for it to regenerate. Otherwise most of the Daphne bushes rot during the monsoon season due to rain and storms. It is amazing, as if the plant was created just to make paper!
Daphne has its own natural ‘glue’ to bring the fibres together. In other traditions, a binding agent has to be added to the pulp, like Nuri in Japanese tradition. Lastly, the length of its fibres contributes to its strength and durability, making Daphne paper one of the strongest paper! [/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true” class=”subt” style=”margin-bottom:20px;”]Making Daphne Paper[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS2-.jpg” alt=”Journal Making Daphne Paper ” link=”false” href=”#” title=”Naga Tribe Pattern Textile” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]The bark from the Daphne bush is shown being peeled off from the stem. It is then soaked in water placed in the sun to be whitened. [/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS3-e1503779151243.jpg” alt=”Daphne Paper” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]After being cooked, the fibres are put into a spinning machine with water where the fibres become a pulp [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]In Nepal, making a sheet a paper is just like making a crepe! You have to be good at leveling; otherwise your crepe will be heavy on one end and lighter on the other end. Instead of a pan you’re using a wooden frame with mesh and fibre pulp![/cs_text][cs_block_grid type=”two-up” style=”margin-bottom:0;”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][x_image type=”none” float=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS4.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][x_image type=”none” float=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS5.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]The Daphne pulp is spread on a sieve fixed on a wooden frame that floats on the water. The frame is moved around allowing the fibres to be spread on the sieve in a regular fashion. It is then lifted out of the water and set upright toward the sun. When the pulp is dry, it becomes a sheet of paper, and is delicately removed from the sieve or wooden frame. [/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS6.jpg” alt=”Drying Daphne Paper for journal ” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]The wooden frames will be left to dry in the sun and consequently the sheet of paper may be gently peeled off. [/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS7-peeling-paper-.jpg” alt=”Daphne Paper for Journal ” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Woman peeling off the dried sheet of paper from the wooden frame. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true” class=”subt” style=”margin-bottom:20px;”]Hemp[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]On the most ungrateful, high-altitude lands in the Himalayas, hemp grows and regenerates without the use of any fertilizers or pesticides. This is one of mother Earth’s most ecological plants reaching up to four meters in height! After being soaked in water for 10 days, the long fibres from its stem are detached, crushed, spun and woven. Hemp textile craft is a very ancient tradition in Nepal.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 10px 0px 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up” style=”margin-bottom:0;”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][x_image type=”none” float=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS8Hempspin-1.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][x_image type=”none” float=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS9.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Fibres from the stalk of the hemp plant is spun and woven into textile. (Allo is done in a similar way) [/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS10.jpg” alt=”Hemp Weave for Journal ” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Woven by hand (and feet!) [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true” class=”subt” style=”margin-bottom:20px;”]Brasswork[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]The Newar metal workers acquired remarkable skill and know-how, passed on from generation to generation. These craftsmen are traditionally from Patan and still produce their crafts using copper, brass, silver and gold.
This Jeweled Journal has more than a story to share. The Salinar Journal boasts a coarse brass sliding closure. The closure design was inspired from a gold “Nariguera” or “nose ornament” from the pre-Colombian Salinar Tribe in Peru.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 10px 0px 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS11.jpg” alt=”Brass work for Journal finishing” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Newari ancestral expertise in handcrafting metal work [/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS12.jpg” alt=”Brass work for Journal finishing” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Metal Craftsman using a traditional handmade drill to handcraft the Salinar brass closure [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true” class=”subt” style=”margin-bottom:20px;”]Salinar Journal Final touches[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]The journal comes together with all these magnificently crafted materials in our workshop in Kathmandu. Here, all the cutting, stitching and bookbinding is done. Delicately, stitch by stitch, page by page.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 10px 0px 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS15.jpg” alt=”Journal Stitching” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Stitching the hemp weave book cover [/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS16.jpg” alt=”Journal Daphne Paper ” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Cutting machines are only used for cardboard or when large volume of paper needs to be cut. Otherwise everything is done by hand. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 10px 0px 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS21.jpg” alt=”Book Binding Daphne Paper” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Book binding [/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS17.jpg” alt=”Book binding Daphne Paper ” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]Bookbinding finishing touches and elements of brass added as part of the binding [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 10px 0px 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS18-copy.jpg” alt=”Handmade Journal finishing” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]The artisan finishes off the products, one by one, with exceptional care for each journal [/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SS19.jpg” alt=”Handmade Journal Brass Element” link=”false” href=”” title=”Naga Tribe Design Pattern Silkscreen Print” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”bottom” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”Naga Tribal design silkscreen printed on Daphley (vegetal leather)” class=”lightbox” style=”width:100%;”][cs_text style=”font-size:0.9em;”]The closing brass element is sewn onto the journal [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]Each Marina Vaptzarova creation is completed with a story card describing the number of hands corresponding to the number of skills used in creating the finished product.
Each product enjoys a truly sensual experience; a journey of sustainable luxury and handcrafted elegance. As told by a customer :[/cs_text][x_blockquote cite=”a happy marina vaptzarova customer” type=”left” style=”font-size:1em;font-weight:300;line-height:1.6em;”]If you haven’t touched and felt these creations yet, you’re missing out. If you find them beautiful in the photos, wait till you hold one in your hand! its a whole other dimension of pleasure that unfolds! They really inspire me to be creative…and even when I’m not using them, I just love holding them close![/x_blockquote][cs_text class=”cs-ta-justify”]And also a real pleasure to write in![/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.marinavaptzarova.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/journal-writing-escape.jpg” alt=”Journal Writing” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”width:100%;”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 10px 0px 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true” class=”subt” style=”font-size:1.8em;”]About Marina Vaptzarova[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]From Himalayan traditions to the trends of Paris Marina Vaptzarova designs celebrate a meeting of the old and the new. Marina Vaptzarova’s exquisite collections are the expression of dedicated quality and exceptional craftsmanship. The brand actively works towards maintaining a sustainable trade on an environmental, economical and social level.
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