The wet sheet is then placed between two sheets of absorbent material (the blue fabric) and placed in the press. The young man demonstrating cranked hard on the handles to really get a good pressing. It must remain here for at least 72 hours for all the liquid to release. Photo: Courtesy Phil Kolman … [Read more...] about Pressing Papyrus
Papyrus Weavings
Before you begin to lay the strips out, they must be rolled flat with the rolling pin. This will remove most of the excess water. In this partially woven sheet you can easily see how the strips are placed one after the other to form a durable sheet. Any size is possible if you have long reeds and sufficient tools. The piece is surprisingly … [Read more...] about Papyrus Weavings
Papyrus to Paper
What would it be like to have to make each piece of paper before you write a letter or begin a novel or create a work of art? This is exactly the task the ancient Egyptians had to perfect before each project was initiated. Sheets of papyrus required specific tools and skills to complete this laborious task. We spent a … [Read more...] about Papyrus to Paper
Moon Over Kom Ombo
This temple of Kom Ombo is set dramatically on a hill overlooking a bend in the Nile. This Greco-Roman style temple is Egypt's only double temple where everything is doubled and perfectly symmetrical along a central axis. The twin entrances, twin courts, and twin colonnades are all dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god and … [Read more...] about Moon Over Kom Ombo
Postcards from Giza
As some of you know Dave and I just spent 2 splendid weeks on a Discovering Egypt tour where we both made many heretofore unknown discoveries of a beautiful country. The ancient history is overwhelming. Here we are in Giza Plateau at the site of the Great Pyramids. The breathtaking structures were proclaimed by the Greeks to be among the Seven … [Read more...] about Postcards from Giza
Priming Canvases Part #2
Several readers asked more questions about the steps following the rabbit skin glue application during the process of priming linen. After the glue has dried, usually 24 hours is a good bet, I sand the surface of the linen very lightly with a fine grit sandpaper block. If you run the palm of your hand over the surface, you will feel the … [Read more...] about Priming Canvases Part #2