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.

Features of Our Traditional Tibetan Handmade Paper
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 Other handicrafts for wholesale & Retail:

• Tibetan Singing bowls & Tingsha bells
• Tibetan original Thangka paints & Meditation CDs
• Himalayan Pashmina shawls & Scarves
• Tibetan Wooden masks & Cushions
• Silver jewelry and seasonal clothing
• Tibetan prayer flags and Mala beads
• Tibetan natural incenses & Custom gifts more…

As part of our community contributions we supported & sponsored following projects in the year 2009:

• 5K Run for Enlightenment Project ( Organized by Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook, CAMH Foundation and Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre).
• Statue Cherisig and Tara Project, Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre.
• Arts & Craft related local projects.