Paper Lab Tour Across Europe & the Mediterranean
Monte Isola, Italy
September 2025
online introduction session via Zoom
Thursday, March 13, 2025 19.00
On March 13, we will host an online introduction session via Zoom, where we will present our 2025 workshop program and the upcoming Paper Camp on Monte Isola. This session is an opportunity to learn more about the structure, content, and creative approach of our programs, ask questions, and explore how these experiences can enrich your artistic practice.
About our farm
At La Casa di Irene, the serene environment encourages visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in creativity. The lush landscapes, charming villages, and rich traditions of Monte Isola offer a unique backdrop for exploration and artistic expression. Here, participants can engage with their surroundings, drawing inspiration from both the breathtaking scenery and the local culture.
The farm provides a nurturing space for the Paper Lab workshops and Paper Camp, creating an atmosphere conducive to learning, experimentation, and self-directed inquiry. As participants delve into their projects, they can experience the magic of Monte Isola and leave with not just new skills, but also a deeper connection to their creative practices.
Monte Isola is not just a destination; it is a space where ideas come to life, a location that invites exploration, curiosity, and discovery.
Monte Isola:
A Serene Retreat at La Casa di Irene Farm
Monte Isola, renowned as Europe’s largest lake island, is a hidden gem nestled in Lake Lseo, Italy.
This enchanting location, surrounded by tranquil waters and framed by the majestic Alps, serves as a peaceful haven for artists and creatives.
Among its many treasures is La Casa di Irene farm, an idyllic spot that harmoniously blends natural beauty and artistic inspiration.
To learn more about this remarkable location, we highly recommend visiting the official Monte Isola site. Experience a space that inspires creativity amidst its outstanding beauty and unique challenges.
https://www.visitmonteisola.it/en/
Paper Lab Tour Across Europe & the Mediterranean
Our workshop program
Our workshops focus on the art and craft of paper through specialized approaches.
In 3D Paper Making & Casting - Foundations, participants develop core techniques in mold-making, fiber structures, and sculptural paper forms.
The Advanced Workshop expands this practice into working with plant fibers, advanced casting methods, and paper as a textile-like material.
In Paper Making from Fabrics, we explore how fabric can be transformed into paper—breaking it down, reshaping its fibers, and casting it into new forms, bridging the gap between textiles and paper.
The Sewing Machine Lab transforms the sewing machine into an instrument for constructing and manipulating paper surfaces, stitching new narratives into the material itself.
Each workshop is an intensive, skill-building experience, equipping participants with a broad set of tools to push paper beyond its conventional boundaries.
Feel free to reach out with any questions about our tour
we’d love to hear from you!
Upcoming workshops
3D Paper Making & Casting Foundations workshop - Volume 1
3D Paper Making & Casting
Foundations workshop - Volume 1
Paper Lab Berlin
Led by Guy Lougashi
Foundations workshop - Volume 2
3D Paper Making & Casting
Foundations workshop - Volume 2
Paper Lab Berlin
Led by Guy Lougashi
Building on the foundations of Volume 1, this second six-hour workshop delves deeper into advanced 3D paper making and casting techniques. Participants will explore natural fibers, multi-part molds, and hybrid methods to create intricate paper sculptures and reliefs. This session is designed to expand your creative toolkit, offering new possibilities for working with paper as a sculptural medium.
Whether you’ve completed Volume 1 or have prior experience with paper casting, this workshop will challenge you to push boundaries and refine your techniques.
Paper Lab Concept
At the Paper Lab, we view paper as more than just a medium—it’s a conceptual space for innovation. Paper can be crafted from nearly any substance, offering endless creative possibilities. This workshop fosters a laboratory mindset, where participants engage in self-research, material exploration, and experimentation to uncover the full potential of paper.
We emphasize the exploration of paper as both a structural and expressive medium. Participants will engage in guided experimentation, where curiosity leads the way. Rather than focusing solely on predetermined outcomes, we encourage an investigative approach, allowing paper itself to guide the creative process.
Volume 2: Advanced Paper Casting & Experimentation
(6 Hours)
Expanding Techniques in Paper Casting
Comparing natural fibers to recycled paper: exploring differences in texture, strength, and finish
Layering methods for creating complex 3D reliefs and multi-layered structures
Developing surface treatments, coatings, and finishes to enhance durability
Mold Development & Personal Projects
Creating multi-part molds for intricate paper sculptures
Experimenting with innovative casting techniques beyond traditional methods
Combining traditional and experimental techniques for unique effects
Self-Research & Continuous Experimentation
Learning how to push creative boundaries within the medium
Encouraging self-directed exploration and individual artistic direction
Discussion and critique to refine techniques and concepts
Workshop Experience
This hands-on workshop is designed to provide both structured guidance and the freedom to explore personal interests. Participants will work in a collaborative environment, sharing discoveries and exchanging ideas. The tactile experience of working with paper in a physical space allows for immediate feedback and adjustment, making the learning process dynamic and interactive.
Expect a mix of demonstrations, guided exercises, and independent experimentation. By the end of the workshop, you will have a series of advanced molds and finished paper sculptures, along with the knowledge to continue developing your practice.
Workshop Details
The "3D Paper Making and Casting Foundations" workshop comprises two volumes that function as a single, comprehensive course. Enrollment in this workshop requires participation in both volumes.
Format: In-person, 6-hour session
Materials Provided: All necessary materials, including natural fibers, molds, and advanced casting tools
Who Can Join: Open to all levels, though prior experience (or completion of Volume 1) is recommended
Preparation: A pre-workshop Zoom session will be held to introduce key concepts and techniques. This session will be recorded and shared with participants.
What to Bring: Basic tools will be required (a list will be provided upon registration). Participants are also welcome to bring objects or textures they’d like to incorporate into their casting experiments.
Workshop Fee:
Volume 1+2 (2 sessions of 6 hours each) €150
How to Sign Up
To enroll, please complete the registration form. You will receive further details, payment options, and preparatory materials upon confirmation. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Step into the world of 3D paper making and casting—where tradition meets innovation, and your creativity takes form.
Advanced 3D Paper Making & Casting workshop
Advanced 3D Paper Making & Casting workshop
Two Sessions | 6 Hours Each
Exclusive to Participants of the Foundations Workshop
Welcome to The Paper Lab Berlin! This advanced workshop is designed for those who have completed the Foundations Workshop and are ready to take their paper casting and mold-making skills to the next level. Over two intensive six-hour sessions, you’ll explore advanced techniques, refine your methods, and develop personal projects with expert guidance.
What to Expect:
Session 1: Advanced Mold-Making & Material Exploration
Learn how to create complex molds, including multi-part molds and layered structures, to enhance the detail and precision of your paper castings.
Work with wax, silicone, and modeling clay to develop durable, reusable molds.
Experiment with different natural fibers and plant-based pulps to influence texture, strength, and translucency.
Begin designing your own topographic and sculptural forms, using paper as both a material and a concept.
Session 2: Paper Casting, Refinement & Project Development
Cast paper into your custom molds, refining your techniques to achieve intricate details and unique surface qualities.
Explore immersion techniques and layering methods to build depth and dimension in your work.
Receive personalized artistic guidance, ensuring your project aligns with your creative vision.
Engage in group discussions, feedback sessions, and troubleshooting strategies to enhance your final pieces.
This hands-on workshop is focused on experimentation, self-research, and pushing the boundaries of paper as a sculptural medium. You'll have the opportunity to work intensively on your own projects while gaining insights from the group and the instructor.
Guided Exploration and Advanced Techniques in Paper Casting
At The Paper Lab Berlin, we emphasize learning not just from the material itself but also from the dynamic creative community around us. This workshop fosters a collaborative environment where participants can exchange ideas, receive valuable feedback, and push the boundaries of their artistic exploration.
Over two intensive six-hour sessions, you'll receive hands-on guidance as you refine your casting methods, experiment with complex mold-making, and develop your own projects. Whether you’re working towards a specific vision or exploring new possibilities, we provide the technical expertise and artistic support to help you navigate challenges, expand your skill set, and bring your ideas to life. You’ll also delve into advanced techniques such as multi-part molds, layering methods, and the process of making paper from plants—deepening your understanding of the material and unlocking new creative directions.
How to Sign Up:
To enroll, please complete the form below. Once registered, you’ll receive details on materials, location, and any preparations needed. Feel free to reach out with any questions—we’re happy to discuss your project ideas in advance.
Workshop Fee:
This in-person experience is perfect for artists, designers, and experimenters looking to refine their skills, deepen their understanding of paper as a material, and bring their unique creative visions to life.
Join us for an immersive, hands-on exploration of advanced paper making and casting techniques. We look forward to seeing what you create!
Making Paper from Fabrics - Workshop
Making Paper from Fabrics - Workshop
Paper Lab Berlin
Led by Guy Lougashi
Workshop Overview
This immersive six-hour workshop explores the fascinating process of transforming fabrics into paper, blending traditional techniques with innovative experiments. Participants will learn to create, cast, and shape paper using fabric-based fibers, while also exploring mold-making techniques to craft unique textures and forms.
Designed for artists, designers, and creatives of all levels, this workshop encourages experimentation and self-research, offering a hands-on experience with paper as a versatile and expressive medium.
Workshop Concept: Making - Casting - Shaping
At the Paper Lab, we view paper as more than just a medium—it’s a conceptual space for innovation. This workshop focuses on the transformative process of turning fabrics into paper, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques. Participants will explore the full lifecycle of paper creation:
Making: Preparing pulp from fabric fibers and understanding their unique properties.
Casting: Using molds to shape paper into textured, three-dimensional forms.
Shaping: Experimenting with techniques to manipulate and refine the final product.
This workshop also introduces unique experiments developed at Paper Lab Berlin, pushing the boundaries of what paper can be.
Workshop Highlights (6 Hours)
1. Making Paper from Fabrics
Preparing and processing fabric-based fibers into pulp
Exploring the unique properties of fabric paper: texture, strength, and flexibility
Hands-on experiments with blending different fabrics for custom compositions
2. Mold Making for Casting
Designing and crafting molds using accessible materials
Techniques for creating textures, reliefs, and three-dimensional forms
Preparing molds for repeated use and continuous experimentation
3. Shaping and Finishing
Manipulating paper to achieve desired shapes and structures
Exploring surface treatments and finishes to enhance durability and aesthetics
Combining casting with other techniques, such as folding and cutting, for unique outcomes
Workshop Experience
This hands-on workshop is designed to provide both structured guidance and the freedom to explore personal interests. Participants will work in a collaborative environment, sharing discoveries and exchanging ideas. The tactile experience of working with paper in a physical space allows for immediate feedback and adjustment, making the learning process dynamic and interactive.
Expect a mix of demonstrations, guided exercises, and independent experimentation. By the end of the workshop, you will have a series of fabric-based paper creations, molds, and the knowledge to continue developing your practice.
Workshop Details
Format: In-person, 6-hour session
Location: Paper Lab Berlin
Materials Provided: All necessary materials, including fabric fibers, molds, and casting tools
Who Can Join: Open to all levels—no prior experience required
Preparation: A pre-workshop Zoom session will be held to introduce key concepts and techniques. This session will be recorded and shared with participants.
What to Bring: Basic tools will be required (a list will be provided upon registration). Participants are also welcome to bring fabrics or textures they’d like to incorporate into their experiments.
Workshop Fee:
[Insert fee here]
How to Sign Up
To enroll, please complete the registration form. You will receive further details, payment options, and preparatory materials upon confirmation. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Step into the world of fabric-based paper making—where tradition meets innovation, and your creativity takes shape.
The Sewing Machine Lab
The Sewing Machine Lab
Paper-Oriented Workshop
Paper Lab Berlin
Led by Guy Lougashi
Workshop Overview
This unique two-session workshop redefines the sewing machine as a multidisciplinary tool for artistic expression, focusing on its interaction with paper. Led by a contemporary visual artist with a rich background in costume design, this workshop invites participants to explore the sewing machine’s potential beyond traditional fabric sewing. Through hands-on experimentation, you’ll learn to create intricate paper-based artworks, blending textile techniques with paper manipulation to challenge conventional boundaries.
Whether you’re an experienced sewist or a curious beginner, this workshop is designed to inspire creativity, innovation, and a deeper understanding of paper as a versatile medium.
A Personal Journey with the Sewing Machine
The instructor’s relationship with the sewing machine is a deeply personal and evolving journey. Initially rooted in costume design, where precision and functionality were paramount, the sewing machine became a tool for artistic exploration when paper entered the equation. Unlike fabric, paper offered a new realm of possibilities—its structure, fragility, and surface quality opened up a different dialogue with the machine.
Through years of experimentation, the sewing machine transformed from a tool for construction to a medium for artistic expression. Techniques like over-piercing paper with needles created delicate, lace-like patterns, while stitching added structural integrity and texture. These explorations led to the creation of multi-layered artworks that resemble topographical maps, capturing themes of fragility, memory, and the passage of time.
In this workshop, the instructor shares not only techniques but also the thought processes and discoveries that have shaped their artistic journey. Participants will be encouraged to push boundaries, experiment freely, and discover their own unique voice through the interplay of paper and thread.
Workshop Concept: Paper as a Canvas
At the Paper Lab, we see paper as more than just a material—it’s a space for exploration and expression. This workshop combines traditional sewing techniques with innovative paper manipulation, encouraging participants to push the limits of both mediums.
Session Breakdown
Session 1: Unraveling the Possibilities (3 Hours)
Introduction to the sewing machine as a multidisciplinary tool
Techniques for sewing on paper: free-motion embroidery, machine stitching, and perforation
Exploring embossing, cutting, and punching to create textures and patterns
Combining threads and textile techniques with paper for multi-dimensional effects
Hands-on experimentation with paper manipulation and stitching
Session 2: Weaving Your Creations (3 Hours)
Building on Session 1 to create your own paper-based assemblages
Advanced techniques for layering, texture, and structural integrity
Experimenting with hybrid methods, such as combining sewing with folding and cutting
Guided creation of finished artworks, with personalized feedback and support
Workshop Experience
This hands-on workshop is designed to inspire creativity and experimentation. Participants will work in a collaborative environment, sharing ideas and discoveries while receiving guidance from the instructor. The tactile experience of working with paper and the sewing machine allows for immediate feedback and adjustment, making the learning process dynamic and interactive.
By the end of the two sessions, you’ll have a collection of unique paper artworks and the skills to continue exploring this innovative approach to sewing and paper.
Workshop Details
Format: In-person, two sessions of 3 hours each (6 hours total)
Location: Paper Lab Berlin
Materials Provided: Basic materials, including paper, threads, and tools for experimentation
Who Can Join: Open to all levels—basic sewing machine knowledge is helpful but not required
What to Bring: A sewing machine (if available), basic sewing tools, and any personal materials you’d like to incorporate
Preparation: A pre-workshop Zoom session will introduce key concepts and techniques. This session will be recorded and shared with participants.
Workshop Fee:
[Insert fee here]
How to Sign Up
To enroll, please complete the registration form. You will receive further details, payment options, and preparatory materials upon confirmation. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Unlock the creative potential of your sewing machine and explore the limitless possibilities of paper. Join us at The Sewing Machine Lab for an inspiring journey into innovative crafting.
The Program
Paper Camp invites participants to explore the vast potential of paper through experimentation, material research, and collective exchange. Over the course of their stay, participants will:
Deepen their understanding of paper’s possibilities through hands-on manipulation and sculptural exploration.
Challenge their creative processes by engaging with Monte Isola’s landscape, history, and traditional craftsmanship.
Develop a richer dialogue with the medium, connecting their practice to a broader context of materiality and place.
Share knowledge and inspiration with a small, focused group of like-minded artists and makers.
While individual artistic research is at the core, the residency fosters a collaborative and interactive atmosphere, where ideas evolve through exchange and shared experience.
Community and Preparation
Paper Camp begins before arrival with a structured Getting Ready phase, including online individual and group sessions. These sessions are designed to:
Establish a sense of community among participants.
Discuss technical and material needs so everyone arrives prepared and ready to work.
Share inspirations, initial ideas, and questions that may shape the residency.
Plan for safety and efficient studio use, ensuring that creative time on-site is fully optimized.
This preparation process is essential to making the most of the residency. It allows participants to arrive confident, focused, and ready to engage deeply with their work from the very start.
Structure & Flow
Participants can stay for a minimum of one week, with the option to extend based on availability. Arrival and departure days are not included in the core working period, ensuring a structured yet flexible rhythm.
Monte Isola provides:
Dedicated studio spaces for hands-on experimentation.
A peaceful, nature-rich environment that fosters focus and reflection.
A dynamic creative community, allowing for both solitary exploration and group exchange.
A Unique Experience on Monte Isola
Monte Isola is more than just a location—it is a living cultural and artistic hub, offering artists a rare opportunity to work in a setting that naturally fosters introspection, creativity, and craftsmanship. The island’s slow pace, historical depth, and breathtaking scenery create an immersive experience where paper is not just a material but a language of expression and transformation.
Join us in May 2025 for a unique and intensive Paper Camp residency, where artistic practice meets material research, community, and the inspiring spirit of Monte Isola.
Paper Camp
Self-Topography on Paper
Paper Camp – Monte Isola, Italy
12-18 May 2025
Paper Camp is a self-residency program offering artists and creatives a unique opportunity to deepen their engagement with paper as a material, concept, and tool.
Hosted by Paper Lab Berlin, this immersive experience takes place in Monte Isola, a creative retreat in the Italian countryside designed for artistic research, material exploration, and collective exchange.
Monte Isola offers an environment where nature, craft, and contemporary artistic practices meet. Surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and a rich artisanal history, it provides the perfect setting for in-depth research on paper—its structure, resilience, and expressive potential.