Every detail matters. From our artisanal products to the sustainable packaging that wraps them, we honor the beauty of handmade, natural craftsmanship. All our paper products—packaging, cards, and stationery—are handmade by a women's cooperative in Kathmandu, Nepal.
By partnering with this cooperative, we create sustainable, unique packaging and support female empowerment and ethical work practices. Each sheet of paper carries a story—of tradition, care, and empowerment—that mirrors our brand's values.
The Traditional Process of Handmade Paper
Creating this paper is truly an art form, following ancient Nepali papermaking techniques. It begins with harvesting fibers from local plants, primarily the lokta plant, which grows high in the Himalayas. The lokta plant has been used for centuries to make durable, flexible paper that resists tearing and lasts for years, making it the perfect material for our stationery and packaging. This unique paper, with its durability and flexibility, is a testament to the ancient craft of papermaking.
The process starts by collecting the lokta bark, which is then cooked to soften the fibers, breaking them down to make them pliable. Once softened, the bark is cleaned and beaten into a pulp. This pulp is mixed with water to create a smooth, consistent slurry that produces high-quality paper sheets.
Play the video and discover the story behind our handmade boxes, created by a Women's Cooperative in Kathmandu, empowering artisans and inspiring independence.
From pulp to paper. A unique handmade process
The next stage is where the magic happens. The pulp mixture is poured into wooden frames, where it is delicately spread. These frames act as molds that shape each sheet of paper, which is then dried under the warm Nepali sun. This drying process not only gives the paper its texture but also allows the natural colors of the lokta fibers to shine through, resulting in beautiful tones and textures.
Once dry, each sheet is carefully removed from its frame, revealing a unique piece of handmade paper. Due to the nature of the process, no two sheets are the same. Variations in thickness, natural fibers, and texture are all signs of an artisanal product made with care.
These sheets are then transformed into packaging materials, tags, cards, and booklets. They may be dyed with natural pigments, cut to size, or embellished for branding and design. The entire process is done with minimal machinery and a focus on sustainability, making each piece unique and eco-friendly.
Empowering women through craftsmanship
The women who craft our paper add a special touch to the process. This cooperative (General Welfare Prathisthan (GWP)), in Kathmandu, is made up of skilled artisans who use their traditional papermaking knowledge to support themselves and their families. Through their craft, they gain economic independence, pride, and contribute to their community.
By partnering with this cooperative, Mirror in the Sky supports fair wages, ethical practices, and women's empowerment. Each sheet of paper—whether used for packaging, thank-you cards, or booklets—carries the spirit of empowerment, tradition, and sustainability.
