Tibetan Paper and Handicraft was created in 2004 by Phurbu Tsering to meet the growing demand for high quality, ecologically friendly Tibetan handmade papers and handicrafts in North America.

A Canadian Tibetan born in Nepal, Phurbu's lifetime of knowledge of Tibetan handicrafts and the artisans who create them gives him a unique perspective when choosing products and papers. Trained in the art of handmade paper in Kathmandu, Phurbu brings his love and knowledge of the craft when selecting papers for the store. Working closely with local Tibetan & Nepalese artists has been a huge inspiration to him.

Since Tibetan Paper and Handicrafts imports directly from Nepal and India, we can provide you with environmentally friendly, fair trade certified products of the highest quality at very reasonable prices in wholesale & retail business level.

Our close link to the artisans who create our products allows us to ensure that they are fairly compensated and that no child labor was used in the creation of any item.

Our paper is entirely handmade in Nepal, using traditional Tibetan methods. It is made from the inner bark of the Daphne bush, which grows in the Himalayan regions of Tibet and Nepal at an altitude of 6,500' - 11,000' above sea level. The Daphne bush is locally known as 'Lokta' and has the characteristic of regenerating after four to five years of being cut, thus preserving the fragile forest ecology.

The sources of our paper are sustainable managed forests. The paper is fine-textured, strong, extremely durable and completely acid free. It has a tough but attractive edge. In ancient times, the Lokta paper was used for writing Mantras, Sutras and Buddhist epics, and preparing legal documents. The first Tibetan paper currency was printed in this special paper, during the centuries of Tibetan independence.

Today, it is still used in the contents of prayer wheels and widely used for art, invitations, stationery, and book cover and for making exquisite gift-wrappers. Due to its unique features, our handmade paper is highly appreciated and recommended by those who use it.

NATURAL AND CHEMICAL COLORS
We use saffron, indigo, pomegranate skin, rhubarb, the inner part of the acacia tree and walnut skin to dye our papers in soft natural tones. We also sprinkle sheets with flower petals, mint leaves, radish seeds, chili and other spicy seeds. Silkscreen ornamentation including traditional Tibetan motifs, gold and silver imprints of the Bodhi leaf or bamboo, flower and wave patterns. We produce beautiful boxes in combinations of color and design that incorporate hemp, bone and wood closures. Our incense and altar sets disseminate the aura of Tibetan Buddhism.

OUR COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Our goal is to preserve the traditional paper making techniques of the rural and urban areas of Nepal, and to provide employment to low-income families of Tibetan refugees.

As part of our community contributions we supported & sponsored following projects in the year 2010:

• 5K Run For Enlightenment Project, Jointly organized by Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Odette Cancer Centre for Sunnybrook, CAMH Foundation and Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto, Canada
• Bopa Dolls Project (Handmade Dolls in traditional Tibetan Attire) the purpose of our project is to provide new skills and employment opportunities for underprivileged Women in the Tibetan Community.
• Local art related projects etc.

All our products are environmentally friendly and do not cause deforestation, but in fact help reduce it. We select our sources carefully to be 100% free of child labor.

OUR OTHER HANDICRAFTS FOR WHOLESALE & RETAIL:
Meditation items, such as Tibetan Singing bowls, bells, statues, prayer flags, masks, Natural Incenses, Thangkas and silver & copper meditation rings and bracelets etc.

Silver jewellery, Himalayan Handmade Silver Ear-rings, rings, pendants and necklaces and natural & birth stone Necklaces etc.

Seasonal clothing, Woolen hats, mittens, scarves and sweaters and Pashmina shawls and cotton scarves for winter and Multi-purpose skirts, shirts and light shawls and scarves for summer and spring.