Make Paper
Making Paper
10 easy steps
down load the pdf file: Make Paper
Today there is a revival in homemade papermaking crafts. Not only is it a fun experience for you, but also it’s a good way to recycle scrap paper into wonderful possibilities. Below you will find a simple papermaking recipe to get you started. If this is the first time you are making paper, don’t be afraid to experiment with different fibers. Add whole flower heads to the pulp mixture or add scraps of yarn, tin foil, even seeds. Its all comes down to what you want. Experiment with different textures and colors. Remember, some of your ideas will turn out while others may not. Have fun with it and express your creativity.
Simple Recipe:
Paper Possibilities include:
- Computer Paper (unprinted)
- Newspaper (If you want a grayish colored paper)
- Magazines
- Paper Bags
- Office Paper
- Typing Paper
- Napkins
- Construction Paper
Materials:
- Sponge
- Screened wood frame
- Wood Frame (mold)
- Plastic Basin/Tub
- Fabric
- Liquid starch (optional)
Instructions:
1. Select the type of paper to be recycled. You can even mix different types to create your own unique paper.
2. Shred your paper and mix in warm water (little by little). Stir the paper slurry until no flakes of paper remain. If there are, stir longer.
3. Now is the time to add the liquid starch for sizing (this is not necessary but if the paper is going to be used for writing on, you should add some, the starch helps to prevent inks from soaking into the paper fibers). Stir 1.5 teaspoons of liquid starch per 10 cups of pulp.
4. Take a basin and place a cookie rack over it. Lay your screened frame on top of the cookie rack and then the framed molding on top of the screen.
5. Take a measuring cup and pour some of the paper pulp of your choice in the mold. You can add some accents to the pulp in your measuring cup (spices, leaves, flower seeds, paint, etc…). Gently wiggle it side-to-side until the pulp on top of the screen looks even. If the paper is very thick, remove some pulp from the mold. If it is too thin, add more pulp.
6. Gently press down on paper with a sponge to remove excess water (wring the excess water from the sponge back into the large plastic tub). Slowly remove the mold and continue patting paper with sponge (if it sticks to the mold, you may have pulled to fast or not pressed out enough water).
7. Place an absorbent, dry rag on top of the paper and hold secure while flipping the paper off the screen (be careful not to tear paper). Lay paper flat and continue to gently pat with sponge or dry rag (remove as much water as possible).
8. At this point you may wish to press additional decorative details into your paper.
9. Lay your piece of paper out on some cardboard where it can dry and will not be disturbed.
10. When the sheet has dried peel it off the cardboard and voila! You have paper!
