Paper craftsmanship: Carterìa ai Frari

Venice Original is pleased to present the Carterìa ai Frari, a charming artisan workshop located between the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Basilica dei Frari, founded in 2008 by Elisabetta Casaburi. This workshop is known for producing high-quality notebooks, albums, and diaries made from 100% cotton handmade paper and goat leather treated with vegetable tanning from Tuscan tanneries. Elisabetta's artisanal mastery is also expressed through ancient writing articles and numerous gift items, all crafted with a passion that makes each piece unique.

Elisabetta Casaburi, a pioneer in paper processing, has turned her dream into reality by creating a space that unites paper, print, and art. Her workshop is a crossroads of cultures and techniques, where Italian, Indian, and Nepalese paper come together, blending tradition with innovation. Elisabetta has a deep connection to the past, reflected in her commitment to recycling and the study of historical techniques while maintaining a contemporary approach to design.

Venice has historically been a center of excellence in paper production innovation over the centuries. During the Renaissance, the city not only thrived as a cradle of art and culture but also became a hub for paper manufacturing. The ingenuity of its artisans ensured advanced processing methods that combined efficiency with refined aesthetics, making Venetian paper a sought-after material throughout Europe. Elisabetta continues this long tradition, adapting it to modern needs and keeping it alive through her creations.

In the workshop at Carterìa ai Frari, Elisabetta conducts courses in bookbinding and origami, hosting prominent artisans and collaborating with Ca’ Foscari University to promote the art of paper. She has also contributed to the creation of cArte – the Diffused Museum of Paper and Printing in Venice and participated in various prestigious projects, including SERIE UNICA – Craft Design Made in Veneto.

Elisabetta describes her work as a personal expression, a dialogue between her creativity and the requests of her clients. For her, each piece tells a story tied not only to the life of the maker but also to the city of Venice. In an age of digitalization, she hopes for a resurgence of notebooks and travel albums, valuing the craftsmanship that makes every experience unique.

Carterìa ai Frari is not just a shop but a place where paper becomes art, where each creation is a window into the history and beauty.