Timeless Emirati Crafts - The Blessed Tree
Learn about the traditional crafts synonymous with Emirati culture.
Sustainable palm tree paper by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The Blessed Tree Project by Meera Lootah
Meera Lootah founded the Blustery Project during her final year of college, focusing on creating paper from fallen palm leaves. The project showcases the intricate process of sustainable papermaking and celebrates the art of upcycling organic waste into valuable materials.
Recycling Palm Leaves into Paper
Palm trees, traditionally used to make ropes and build houses, can also be recycled to create paper. The fallen leaves are cut, cooked with sodium carbonate for 4 hours, then washed, blended into a pulp, sieved and blanched if necessary.
Sustainable palm tree paper by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Shaping and Drying Palm Paper
Making palm paper involves using a mold and frame to shape the paper mixture, separating water from pulp. After transferring the paper to a towel, excess water is blotted with a sponge, and the frame is carefully removed to keep the paper flat as it dries.
Exploring the Future of Palm Paper in Art and Sustainability
Palm paper has shown great potential for diverse uses, including screen printing, watercolor painting, and home inkjet printing. Meera envisions it as a sustainable alternative to traditional paper and hopes it will inspire future generations to embrace eco-friendly practices.
Palm Tree in Raw Form by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
A UAE-Based Sustainable Project
The Blessed Tree Project reflects the UAE’s commitment to environmental innovation through its unique approach to sustainable paper making.
This initiative addresses key environmental challenges and sets an example for how local resources can be creatively repurposed for a greener future.
