Dave Pennington, wheatgrass farmer

David Pennington of Pennington Greens has been washing, bleaching and stockpiling wheatgrass pulp for 14 years, and has been supplying wheat grass and wheat grass shots to Co-op customers for ages.  Every time wheatgrass juice is made, this wonderful by-product provides material for wedding invitations, greeting cards, posters, artist canvas and inspired sculpture. Now you, too, can learn how to turn this and other discarded fibers (yes, even clothes dryer lint!) into beautiful paper.

Wheatgrass shots from the Co-op

So, it stands to reason that David’s Papermaking Class at the Boise Co-op on Saturday, September 11, will feature the use of fresh wheatgrass pulp! After the tender wheatgrass blades are put through the juice extractor (at 4000 lbs PSI!) at Pennington Greens, what remains is nearly 100% pure cellulose fiber. These wheatgrass fibers, as well as many other common plant fibers, have a beautiful sheen, and are supple and soft since they have not formed the tough rigidness from lignin yet.

Each student will be able to take home at least a dozen sheets of paper from the class, which will emphasise recycling household and garden waste into attractive functional paper, envelopes, room dividers, mobiles and other world-class art.

David will provide all moulds, deckles, sponges and fiber!  You’ll Need to Bring clothes that you do not mind getting wet and stained and anything you wish to incorporate into your paper, although David assures us he’ll have plenty of stuff to choose from.

Lunch will be provided by the Boise Co-op Culinary Education Program (thank you, Sylvie!).

Papermaking Class with David Pennington

Saturday, September 11, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Cost: $20 for Boise Co-op Members/ $25 for Non-Members

Lunch provided by the Boise Co-op Culinary Education Program!

Space is limited. Call 472-4500 to register!