How to Make Your Own Paper

You may already send out your used paper to be recycled, but did you know you can make your own new paper from that paper? Crafty paper makers still use the technique discovered in A.D. 105, when hemp, mulberry bark and rags were flattened and dried on a screen. Today we can take paper we've already used and create handmade paper that can be used as note cards, gifts or even scratch paper.

Instructions

Make Your Own Handmade Paper

1. Rip the paper into small pieces and place into the blender. Use different colors and textures of paper to create a fun, multicolored final product. Once you've chosen your paper, fill the blender with warm water. Run the blender slowly, increasing speed until the paper pulp is smooth.

2. Stretch your window screen over the wooden frame and attach it with tacks. Make sure the screen is very taut.

3. Fill the basin about halfway with water and add three blender loads of pulp. If you want to add in dried flowers or wildflower seeds to add a natural feel to your paper, mix them into the basin and stir. Place your mold into the pulp, gently shaking it from side to side to make sure the pulp is evenly spread.

4. Lift the mold out of the water and wait for most of the water to drain. Then gently place the felt on the side of the frame and ease the paper onto the felt. Using a sponge, press out as much water as you can. Slowly lift the edge of the mold, letting the wet paper remain on the felt. This takes practice, so don't expect a perfect result the first time!

5. Place the paper on a cookie sheet and use another cookie sheet to press out the remaining water. Make sure to do this over a tub or your lawn. Then carefully separate the sheets of paper and lay them out on newspaper or hang them on a clothesline. If you don't want to wait for the paper to try, try some of the tips from Funsci's Web site.

6. Make your paper stand out by gluing a dried flower or small beads at the edges. Consider making a large piece of paper to create your own matching envelope.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an old wooden picture frame if you can't find a wood frame suitable for paper making.

• Try mixing in flower seeds after the paper has been made into pulp, and tell the recipient of the paper that they can plant their letter after they read it.

• Shred all of the paper into tiny bits before mixing them. Larger pieces of paper will clog the blender's blades.

• Avoid using paper that is thicker than 1/16 of an inch as pulp, because it is much harder to liquefy.