Elephant Dung Paper

This may sound like an odd addition to your rubber stamping supplies, however elephant dung paper could be just the thing if you are looking for something a little unusual which is also kind to the environment. Elephant dung paper is just as the name suggests, paper that is made from elephant dung. The fibers from the dung are treated to ensure that there is no smell and no bacteria in the product - it is totally safe to handle. Many elephant dung paper products are fair trade and are made and sold by organizations that support the work of elephant conversation centers and groups.

Elephant dung is free and totally renewable. Elephant dung consists of fibrous material that the elephant has not digested. As elephants eat mainly plants, their waste is largely cellulose which is ideal for making paper. Unlike plant based papers where the fibers need to be pulped before they are formed into paper, the elephant's digestion system does part of the process for the paper makers. The dung is treated by boiling and steaming it before it is formed into paper. Paper can be made from the dung of other herbivores, including sheep. Other forms of dung paper include rhino, kangaroo, reindeer, donkey and camel.

Elephant dung paper can make an interesting addition to rubber stamping and papercraft projects. Most elephant dung paper is acid free and suitable for scrapbooking and archival projects (however it is worth checking as the paper making methods vary). The papers are also typically organic and are not bleached with chemicals. Most elephant dung paper is made by specialist handmade paper artists and as such the paper varies in texture and consistency. Elephant dung paper is available in different weights, including cardstock, and in different colors.

Elephant dung paper is readily available from stores that specialize in environmentally friendly products. Many stores sell 'finished' products, such as ready made gift cards or note books. When buying elephant dung paper to use in craft projects, it is best to look for loose sheets. There are also a number of companies that specialize in the sale of elephant dung papers and these include:

• Rainbow Gifts - sell a wide range of elephant dung products (including 12" x 12" scrapbook papers) which are made at the Lampang Elephant Conservation Camp in Thailand
• Mr Ellie Pooh - products can be purchased through the site or through a wide number of stockists that are listed on the website
• HQ Papermaker - offer colored elephant dung paper

Tips for Using Elephant Paper

Here are some tips for making the most of elephant dung paper:

• The paper looks much like other handmade paper products and as such it is worth making a feature of the source of the fiber by using elephant related stamps and making a note about the paper that can accompany the item. A 'guess what this has been made from' note on the back of a card, for instance, could make a fun addition to a project.
• As dung paper can be a little more expensive than normal papers, try combining it with other papers in projects, for example use a combination of recycled paper and elephant dung paper to make cards.
• If you cannot find sheets of elephant dung paper or products that are suitable for using in craft projects, look out for blocks of note paper such as the one in the image. These are ideal for making embellishments for handmade cards and other small projects. This can also be a cost effective option.
• Elephant dung paper products can be a good way to raise awareness of animal causes and charities. Handmade cards and stationery can be made from elephant dung paper and these could make unusual items to sell. Note: remember to check the Angel Policy of any stamps that you use to make products that you sell.

Elephant dung paper can add an interesting twist to a rubber stamping or papercraft project. While the idea of paper made from dung may seem like a novelty, the fact that it is environmentally friendly and also helps to support elephant conservation groups makes it worth considering when you are looking for something new.