A Papermaker for a Day: When Creativity Heals the Soul

A Return to Simplicity

Stepping into Michal’s workshop, you slow down. Instead of the city’s hustle, you are surrounded by silence, the scent of wood, water, and cellulose. You hold a frame in your hands, dip a screen into the vat, and watch as paper slowly takes shape before your eyes.

This step-by-step process, carried out in silence and full attention, allows you to momentarily step away from daily chaos. You don’t need to be skilled or have artistic talent—just a willingness to try.

Creativity as an Anchor in the Present Moment

i Papyrea manual paper mill

Handmade paper production is not just about the final product. It is a journey of awareness, of being present in the moment. Water trickling down the frame, the texture of the fibers, the waiting time as the paper dries—each of these small details helps redirect focus back to oneself.

One course participant noted how surprisingly calming the experience was:
"I didn’t have to think about anything. I just followed each step, and suddenly the day was gone. I felt pleasantly tired and content with myself."

A Space for Shared Experiences

The workshop is also an opportunity to spend time differently—whether with a partner, child, or friend. No phones, no constant notifications—just a shared activity and natural conversation. Participants create greeting cards, bookmarks, and notebooks, but most importantly, they create memories.

Some take home their first handmade paper, while others explore new techniques. The act of creating together naturally opens conversations, often leading to topics rarely discussed in everyday life.

Learning to Slow Down

Michal Gorec leads the workshop with ease and patience. He explains, demonstrates, and gives space for individual attempts. Many participants realize by the end of the course that they haven’t allowed themselves to be part of a process without focusing on results for a long time.

"Paper is like a person. It is born from water and chaos. And when we allow it to mature slowly, it gains strength and character," Michal says. His approach is kind and nonjudgmental, making participants feel safe—even when things don’t go as planned.

Why Create with Your Hands?

At Calmory, we often encourage finding ways to reconnect with our bodies and the present moment. Creating with our hands—whether through drawing, cooking, or making paper—brings a deep focus that helps relieve information overload.

Such experiences create a stronger connection with ourselves. They teach us to perceive time differently—consciously, without judgment.

What Can You Try at Home?

• Create an evening ritual: Write down three things that went well today.
• Make a simple greeting card or a notebook cover with your children.
• Turn off your phone for two hours and just create—without expectations.

Affirmations to Support You

• "Slowing down brings me peace."
• "I don’t have to be perfect to be enough."
• "Each day, I can start anew."
• "Even a small step can lead to big change."
• "Creating connects me with myself."

A Word from Calmory

At Calmory, we believe that returning to oneself doesn’t always require big decisions. Sometimes, all it takes is one day, a few hours dedicated solely to ourselves—without rush, without words. The experience of making paper is a beautiful example of how even small changes can bring a fresh perspective to daily life.

And that is why we share stories like this. Because we know that creativity, too, can be a path to inner balance.