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MAKEWORKS
Papers/Banana / Plantain Stem Paper
Plant FiberModerateSafety: Low Risk

Banana / Plantain Stem Paper

Banana stems are mostly throwaway — and full of beautiful long fiber.

Texture
Long fiber, warm cream
Yield
≈ 8 sheets per stem

Strip fibers from a banana plant stem, cook them soft, blend, and pull sheets.

  • ▸Banana stems are agricultural waste — totally free in tropical regions.
  • ▸Long fibers make a strong, slightly translucent paper.
  • ▸Often blended with recycled pulp to make it easier to write on.

Steps

  1. 01

    Strip outer layers; cut inner stem into thin slices.

  2. 02

    Cook 3–4 hours in washing-soda water.

  3. 03

    Rinse, then beat or blend in short bursts (banana fiber is long).

  4. 04

    Pull thin sheets — fibers love to mat together.

  5. 05

    Press and dry slowly to keep sheets flat.

Materials
4
  • — Inner stem of a fruited banana plant (a free byproduct in tropical regions)
  • — Washing soda
  • — Mallet or strong blender
  • — Mould & deckle

Safety

Low Risk

Mostly hand tools and inert materials. Standard studio hygiene applies.

Quick checklist
  • ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
  • ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
  • ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible

Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.

Notes

Add cotton pulp for a smoother writing surface; pure banana is best for textured art paper.