Handmade Papermaking with Esteban & Tania
Learn handmade paper-making with master artisans Esteban and Tania in Pátzcuaro, a "pueblo mágico” founded in 1300 by tarascan tribes. Discover how to harvest and process invasive and native plants, press paper, and transform it into art as you learn about the local ecology and indigenous culture. Beyond the studio, visit local artisan studios, historic sites and tour traditional kitchens to experience the region's rich history, crafts, and flavors.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea, Lunch
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1240
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $660
Meet the Artist
Esteban and Tania are master artisans known for transforming the invasive water lily into organic, handmade paper and exotic fibers. Esteban's artistic journey began in 1978, driven by a deep interest in creating his own materials, such as pigments, surfaces, and media. In 1998, he and Tania settled on the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro, where they faced the lake's environmental challenges, including pollution and the proliferation of the invasive water lily. In response, they founded their workshop, which merges art with environmental stewardship, crafting paper from the plants harming the lake's ecosystem. Their work has garnered international attention, with exhibitions in museums, galleries, and schools.
Over the past 24 years, Esteban and Tania have refined their craft, incorporating other natural fibers like maize, banana, cactus, and hemp while mastering dyeing, typography, and bookbinding techniques. Inspired by traditional Chinese papermaking, their process involves harvesting plants, breaking them down into pulp, and forming the paper through soaking, screening, and drying.
From the shores to the press, Esteban and Tania see their practice as a way to unite art, the environment, and the indigenous community. Through their teachings, they aim to inspire you to discover new paths in human relationships and to care for the natural world around them.
Over the past 24 years, Esteban and Tania have refined their craft, incorporating other natural fibers like maize, banana, cactus, and hemp while mastering dyeing, typography, and bookbinding techniques. Inspired by traditional Chinese papermaking, their process involves harvesting plants, breaking them down into pulp, and forming the paper through soaking, screening, and drying.
From the shores to the press, Esteban and Tania see their practice as a way to unite art, the environment, and the indigenous community. Through their teachings, they aim to inspire you to discover new paths in human relationships and to care for the natural world around them.
VAWAA Includes:
- Make your own artisanal paper using a variety of plants, colors, botanical transfers, and dyes.
- Forage for paper-making plants in nearby fields and Lake Pátzcuaro, including water lilies.
- Cut and process fresh plants into paper pulp, then dye and press it into handmade paper.
- Experiment making paper from plants like maize, banana, cactus, and even wasp nests.
- Use botanical transfers and natural dyes, like coccinea, to personalize your paper.
- Bind your paper into notebooks, wallets, or artist books, with extra paper available if drying is slow.
- All paper-making materials are included. Bring your linoleum or woodcut plates to print signed series with typographic details or mixed techniques.
- Enjoy a trip along the Don Vasco route or Lake Pátzcuaro’s riverside to explore historic and archaeological sites, and to cross between the towns on the Lake’s shore.
- Visit studios of Esteban and Tania's friends specializing in ceramics, wood, and textiles.
- Go on a culinary tour of traditional kitchens.
Explore Pátzcuaro
Pátzcuaro is a magical town that still remains true to its indigenous (Purepecha and Tarasco) heritage. It is 50 minutes away from Michoacán's capital city, Morelia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and famous throughout Mexico for Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Esteban and Tania’s studio is located in Huecorio, one of the indigenous communities surrounding Lake Pátzcuaro. His studio overlooks Janitzio Island. This region is rich in tradition and handcrafts dating pre-Hispanic times. The town of Pátzcuaro is as it was over 488 years ago, when Spanish priests settled in the area. It has been labeled a magic town "pueblo mágico" because of its beautiful plaza, many churches, beautiful old adobe buildings, and a sky full of white clouds.
Esteban and Tania’s studio is located in Huecorio, one of the indigenous communities surrounding Lake Pátzcuaro. His studio overlooks Janitzio Island. This region is rich in tradition and handcrafts dating pre-Hispanic times. The town of Pátzcuaro is as it was over 488 years ago, when Spanish priests settled in the area. It has been labeled a magic town "pueblo mágico" because of its beautiful plaza, many churches, beautiful old adobe buildings, and a sky full of white clouds.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Huecorio Pátzcuaro is during the fall and spring (November-June) when the weather is mild and pleasant. It’s best to avoid the rainy season (July-October) when heavy rains can make travel and outdoor activities less enjoyable.
This session can be extended for up to 20 days to focus on editorial projects or artist books. Please add a note in your booking request. Pre-made papers of different plants and sizes are available for an additional fee.
Children accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with accessibility issues or special needs are welcome to participate. Esteban and Tania are committed to making their craft accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Esteban and Tania speak Spanish and basic English.
This session can be extended for up to 20 days to focus on editorial projects or artist books. Please add a note in your booking request. Pre-made papers of different plants and sizes are available for an additional fee.
Children accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with accessibility issues or special needs are welcome to participate. Esteban and Tania are committed to making their craft accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Esteban and Tania speak Spanish and basic English.
Guest Reviews
Ronald H., United States
It was a life changing experience.
Working along Tonia and Esteban was a once in a lifetime experience. Making paper from many different plant materials to the finished product was an amazing process and then turning them into books, prints and paper. In the afternoon they took us on excursions around the lake to indigenous villages. Esteban, Tania and their children were a delight to be aroun Read moreMeriweather A., United States
I LOVED my experience with Esteban and Tania! They were incredibly hospitable - picking me up from the airport during a thunderstorm, being flexible with the curriculum based off of my needs, and suggesting/coordinating activities for me in my downtime. I would love to book another workshop with them in the future!
Denise D., United States
What I loved most about my experience with Esteban & Tania was hearing Esteban say Vamos (Let's go). Laughing... Most of the time, he would say Vamimous. I also loved the tour around the lake and mountains as well as other historical landmarks. They were all very inspirating for creativity.
