First, Kattone’s expert, proprietary paper making process starts with large sized sheets of natural, (renewable) cotton fibre. Second, pieces of thick cotton pulp are placed in the large tub of a handmade- in-New Zealand, “beater.” Which is driven by solar generated power. It moves the paper, in clean, fresh rainwater, around the oval tub, and through a “crushing roller,” multiple times, until it becomes a fine fibre-like pulp. It’s repeated until the require quantity of pulp is produced.
Third, the wet pulp is drained of excess water and stored temporarily in buckets before being moved to a large second tub, in which it is combined, in exact proportions, and stirred into more fresh water. We then we use screens, which we handmade, from wood and gauze, with about a dozen divisions of the required paper size, to lift the pulp out of the water in the exact shape and size required. There is a different screen for each required size of paper, and each screen has a cover so that the shapes of very wet paper do not deform, or fall out.
Where coloured paper is required, a natural colouring agent is added to the pulp before it goes into the tub.
Fourth, the screens have a backing added and are tuned over for the still wet and very thick paper to be “bumped out” and placed on natural felt covers, over large flat wooden boards. Then sheets of paper, in the required shapes, are stacked one on top of each other.
Fifth, the still wet paper is placed, in stacks press to remove even more water. The paper stays in the press for 10 – 20 minutes and comes out a lot flatter.
Sixth, we remove the paper from the press and place it is in the West Australia Mediterranean climate’s, hot sun, on special drying racks, to dry naturally. If the weather is not too hot we supplement the sun drying with a “drying box” using solar power.
Seventh, the paper is again stacked and placed in press to flatten it for printing. When the paper emerges from the press, there comes a “wow” moment, as it is looks and feels fantastic.
Eighth, the paper is stored by type and colour in book cases, and then used to print the world’s most beautiful textured, event stationery, customised just for customers and their special event.
Ninth, if the paper is to be used for invitations, table charts, menus, etc, it will then be combined into sets. The sets may include printing, wax seals, ribbons, envelopes and more. The sets are then assembled and beautifully packed with tissue paper and Kattone branding for dispatch.
Tenth, and finally, our paper is dispatched by courier direct to our delighted customers. We use DHL internationally, who are very reliable, and Australian Post domestically, who delivery quickly. Both suppliers offer a tracking service so customers can see their parcel has been dispatched, where their invitations are, and when the will arrive. We have never had a package lost.
Questions and Answers
Who are our typical customers?
Our customers fall into two categories. First those getting married, and secondly those running corporate events. Both discerning groups have in common a desire for high quality, handmade stationery, that celebrates their unique story and elevates their brand.
Secondly Kattone’s customers care for the environment and will search for suppliers that incorporate genuine sustainability and green processes into their manufacturing processing .
As an Australian based, family owned business, Kattone has served more than 11,000 customers all around the world.
Where can I buy Katone Paper?
We can be found on both website and Etsy as follows:
www.etsy.com/shop/KattonePaper
What makes handmade paper different from machine-made?
Whereas machine made paper stationery looks like it is mass produced on a machine with no differentiation (because it is), Kattone paper is unique.
Most noticeable is how beautiful and pleasing to the eye Kattone handmade paper looks, with natural variations. It is also wonderful to touch and feel, with a thick texture. and deckled edges.
The way we make the paper means that it is perfect for printing so that customers can choose their own vibrant colours and special fonts. It is also suitable for adding drawings or images, for example of a wedding or event venue; logo; or other art.
Also very pleasing is the eco-friendly qualities of Kattone paper – see below.
How long does handmade paper last?
There is no limit to the life of Kattone’s handmade paper. If you decide to keep samples from your event, they will last a very long time. In fact some people love the Kattone stationery so much that they frame their invitations.
Is handmade paper eco-friendly?
Yes, very. We think Kattone paper is the world’s most eco-friendly.
Unlike most other providers, we do not make our paper from precious trees which must be felled as part of their process. Because we use renewable cotton, not wood pulp from trees, to make our paper, no harmful chemicals are needed or used in our process.
Further we use solar power to energise equipment, natural rainwater, and the sun for drying.
Is handmade paper more expensive than mass produced machine paper?
It isn’t possible to make a like by like comparison, but in general it is fair to say that Kattone’s handmade paper is much better value for money and a small percent of the budget for most events.
Kattone’s clients tend to be people who [a] want something unique and beautiful, and [b] care about the environment.
And in every case, guests or invitees are mightily impressed with Kattone stationery. It elevates your brand image.
What else does Kattone manufacture or offer?
We also make our own wax inhouse, in multiple different attractive colours. The wax is used to make customised seals, with customers’ initials, company logos, or symbols with special meaning, for example a Christian cross or an eagle.
The ribbons that are often included with invitations are made by us from reams of high quality fabrics we purchases from a leading provider in Melbourne Australia.
Also very popular are customised, hand drawn venue illustrations which Kattone produces from photographs supplied by customer and are then printed on invitations or other stationery. These beautiful hand drawn images can also include logos, sports people, or even favourite animals or mascots.
How many customer have used Kattone paper for events?
With its world best stationery, Kattone has served more than 11,000 happy customers. Reviews tend to be exceptional. You can read many of them here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KattonePaper?ref=seller-platform-mcnav#reviews
Where can I see examples of Kattone Paper?
On our website here:
