The Papermaker’s Companion: The Ultimate Guide to Making and Using Handmade Paper by Helen Hiebert is considered one of the best paper-making books available. Written by the same author who wrote Papermaking with Garden Plants and Common Weeds, this book discusses various methods, materials, and techniques for the beginner as well as the advanced paper-maker. If you’re set on purchasing one book about the art of making paper, this book should be it.

(Hiebert’s other book, mentioned above, is worth a read as well–particularly if you’d like to explore ways to make paper out of things in your own backyard.)

Arnold Grummer’s Complete Guide to Easy Papermaking is another good guide for the beginner, and is focused mainly on household paper waste that can be re-used in creating new paper products. This book is great for the environmentalist paper-maker.

The Art & Craft of Homemade Paper by Vance Studley provides excellent illustrations and step-by-step instructions on basic paper-making using vegetable fibers. While many of his tips can be found online, it’s still a handy book to have around.

If you’ve mastered basic paper-making and you’re ready to try out new, exciting techniques, you may want to check out The Papermaking Techniques Book: Over 50 Techniques for Making and Embellishing Handmade Paper, by John Plowman. From watermarking to embossing, from adding scents to textures to other creative elements, Plowman will guide you through creating some truly unique projects.