Know-how

Each Marina Vaptzarova product is the expression of dedicated quality and exceptional craftsmanship. In the manner of Haute couture, Marina Vaptzarova designs are one-of-a-kind. Made by hand at every turn – every page and fabric, every cut, fold, stitch, dye and print are patiently carried out by hand.

Reaching far back through the centuries, every material and every skill used by Marina Vaptzarova has a story to share. The precious artisan traditions that are at the very core of Marina Vaptzarova designs, span from the highly sought traditional Daphne paper all the way to the finest hand carved brass or silver.

See our short film: Birth of a Journal

Daphne paper

With unrelenting passion Marina Vaptzarova explores the astonishing potentiality of this sustainable material specific to Nepal. Highly esteemed in Himalayan societies for its many qualities, Daphne paper has for centuries been used in prayer books, official documents and traditional medicine. Along with a highly appealing texture, this handmade paper is made of long fibers that endow it with exceptional strength. Natural, handmade and with unique fibers that by nature stick to each other without resorting to additives, it is one of the most sustainable papers in the world.

Our Papers  |  Art & Writing

Daphley (vegetal leather)

Marina Vaptzarova has developed an astonishing material that combines luxury and sustainability. It is handmade and derived from the very same Lokta fibers used in Daphne Paper. Baptized “Daphley” (Daphne vegetal leather), for having qualities comparable to wrinkled leather, it boasts a very soft and delightful texture. It can be used in making a variety of eco-chic gifts, ranging from vegetal leather travel journals to decorative cushion covers and original blinds for the home!

Allo

The weaving of nettle fibers that grow in abundance in the Himalayan hills is an ancestral tradition. These nettles can reach up to three meters in height and are cut at their stem to obtain long fibers that are spun and woven in order to make thread, ropes and weavings for clothes and bags.

Hemp

As hemp grows and regenerates rapidly without any fertilizers, it is considered to be one of the most ecological plants on earth. It grows up to four meters high and, according to traditional Nepalese craft, the long fibers can be found inside the stem, and, after having been soaked for several days, can be freed, ground, spun and woven. The cloth thus obtained is renowned for its solidity, insulating capacities and resistance. Hemp fibers are also used to make paper.

Brass & Silver

The Newars, the native artisans of the valley of Kathmandu, are responsible for some of the most creative arts found in the Nepalese tradition. They are particularly renowned in the Himalayas for their exceptional craftsmanship in the gold and silversmith trade. Their ability to carefully hand chisel precious metal, had won them a favored place in the forbidden city of Lhasa. To this day, the Newars are among the last jewelers to work gold and silver by hand at the cost of long hours of infinitely meticulous work.