How to Make Stationery

Making personalized stationary lends an elegant touch that is uniquely your own and makes the recipient feel as though they've received a special gift. The process is so simple, you can create a different look for each season or holiday.

Things You'll Need

• 2 identical frames
• Mesh screen
• Duct tape
• Nails
• Hammer
• Washtub
• Blender
• Blanket
• Spray bottle
• Sponge
• Manual press
• Computer paper

Instructions

1. Place two picture frames face-up on a hard surface. Cut a section of screen larger than the picture frame and secure it to the frame using either nails or a staple gun. Ensure the screen is taunt and straight for best results.

2. Trim the excess screen and tape down the rough edges with the duct tape. This becomes the mold you'll use to form your personalized stationary.

3. Shred the paper into small pieces and put it in your blender. Add enough water so that there's more water than paper. Blend the mixture to create a pulp. Color your personalized stationary by adding food coloring at this stage.

4. Pour the pulp into the bottom of a waterproof tub. Add enough so that both picture frames will be submerged when stacked on top of one another. Then, cut a section of blanket larger than the size of the frame and wet it with a spray bottle.

5. Lower the frames into the tub, the one with the screen facing down, the other on top with the smooth section facing up.

6. Gently swish the frames through the watery mixture, allowing them to collect pulp. Lift them from the water and allow the excess to drip for several minutes. At this time, you can add items to customize your stationary, such as flower petals or leaves, and press them into the pulp.

7. Lay the wet blanket section on the work surface. Place the long edge of a frame upright on the edge of the blanket with the pulp facing the blanket and lower. Use a sponge to sop excess water from the pulp through the screen and carefully remove the frame, leaving the paper on the blanket to dry overnight.