To create this special paper, he makes use of coconut palm’s fronds that are left in bins on the beach. In the past, he used coconut palm’s branches to make paper.

“I conducted research and succeeded at the first attempt. While observing fibers of coconut palm’s fronds, I realized that they were similar to fibers of nipa palm’s fronds. I believed that I could make use of them to produce paper,” he said.

Instead of throwing away those precious fronds, he started to collect them from coasts and resorts. The feature of this kind of drawings is its sophisticated procedure.

“The process of drawing an artwork is not simple. Patterns, details have to be drawn by hand, redrawn on computer and then you print decal, cut it, stick it on the frame to have a perfect printing frame. Printing by water pressure will create thin or thick layers depending on customers’ preference. No chemical substances are used during the process. This helps paper keep its natural beauty,” Mr. Ha said.

Advertising coconut paper worldwide

The topics of the drawings are diverse, including natural scenery, lotus flower, portraits… These drawings have been exported to America, Korea, Italy… besides domestic orders.

Workers must know drawing techniques, and they also must be patient. Simple drawings take about a week to finish, but portraits may need almost a month.

“I am always willing to share my knowledge with others, teach those who want to participate in this industry. Moreover, I want people around the world to know about Vietnamese drawings made of coconut fronds,” Mr. Ha said.

Mr. Le Thanh Ha uses coconut palm’s fronds to produce paper and drawings.

Fronds are chopped into pieces to collect white cores. After that, they are cooked and ground to make drawings from coconut paper.

Coconut powder is flattened on a frame to make it easier to print patterns by the pressure of water.

When the drawings are done, they will be dried to be framed or installed with lights.

Ho Giap

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