
My passion for paper
My name is Bertie Franke and I'm an artist and ceramist born in the Netherlands. I studied Interior Architecture at the Willem de Kooning academie in Rotterdam. As a child I already had a great love for paper. As a youngster, I learned the Japanese art of paper folding from the sisters in the convent where my mother worked. And during my high school years I could spend days creating booklets and notebooks. Since I moved to Italy in 2015, that passion has slowly developed into the production of handmade notebooks and diaries in my own style. I initially started making dotted journals, but soon expanded to a series of notebooks, agendas and watercolor booklets. I like soft colors and binding techniques with character, where you can see on the outside of the book how it is bound. For my books I use eco-leather and beautiful paper with quirky images from an Italian manufacturer.
My story
After opening my Ceramics studio in Gradoli three years ago, I opened my second studio 'Passion for Paper and more...' in Bolsena in the spring of 2024. From my studio and shop I sell handmade notebooks, agendas and journals. But also Origami Wall Art, Pebble Art, T-shirts with my beloved spiritual symbols such as the flower of life and the labyrinth. And of course I also sell my raku ceramics, with the same recognizable symbolism. The collection can best be described as artistic, idiosyncratic and spiritual. Let yourself be enchanted by this inspiring place.
The Corso Cavour, a street full of craftsmen
My studio is located in Corso Cavour in Bolsena, the main street that runs through the village. There are many more studios in this part of the Corso, such as a stained glass studio, a sewing studio, and a hat studio. So I feel completely at home here with my bookbinding studio. The moment you enter the store you enter a different world. A world of symbolism, art and beauty. I like to make beautiful things, but that what I create must also fit in with my other work. What I create complements each other: notebooks, ceramics, t-shirts and Wall Art.
A creative workshop during your holiday
I love te share my passion, knowledge and experience with you during one of our workshops.
Prices: (including all materials)
One person 60 euro
Two persons 50 euro per person
Three persons 40 euro per person
Four persons 30 euro per person