Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly, and with such a comprehensive reply. The gentleman that recomended this site to me is a friend of mine here in Oregon who is a (mostly paper) restorer, named Jack Thompson ....but besides that he knows a lot about techniques involved in many of the various kinds of ancient artistic traditions.

Anyway, he told me also about using metal lath, but I didn't get this detailed a description. He had said for the small one, since it is a test panel in which i mostly want to get a feel for the materials he didn't think I should bother...but it is definately what I will do the next try.

Another question...maybe you have some advice on. We have an idea of creating these paintings with Newari artists in Nepal. We are a little concerned over shipping issues, especially differences in humdity and shifts in temperature levels from there to this country. Are there special considerations to be made in a situation like this, such as not adding any water to the mixtures...and could they be created on any kind of a lighter weight material (than marine plywood for example) that wouldn't compromise the quality and or create more opportunity for cracking or warpage....

Thank you so much for taking the time and for helping those of us who are just beginning to wade in the shallow waters of such a wonderful deep tradition....

Very sincerely,
Karla Refojo