How to Make Papyrus
In ancient times, the making of papyrus was a rigorous process to complete. Today, the process to make papyrus is an easy procedure to perform on your own or with your children for lasting memories. You will be able to use your home-made papyrus paper for specialty writing material just like artists and calligraphers.
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Things You'll Need
- Papyrus plants
- Garden pruner
- Water
- Rolling pin
- 2 sheets linen
- 1 sheet felt
- 2 wood boards
Instructions
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1
Contact a papyrus plant nursery. Once you obtain the papyrus plant, you will need to cut the end tips in a diagonally position with a pruner.
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2
Start to peel the outer layer of the plant to reveal the inner layer. You can either use your pruner to shave the outer layer or another sharp garden object. Next, cut the inner layer into strips that are in the same length and thickness.
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3
Soak the papyrus strips in water to release the inner liquid. The inner layer contains a liquid that is similar to glue and will take up to 48 to 72 hours to fully release.
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4
Take the wet papyrus strips and lay on a table to roll flat. Use the rolling pin to flatten the sheets flat and to drench water from the papyrus sheets.
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5
Lay out the flat soaked papyrus in two layers perpendicular to each other. Make sure each strip overlaps the previous papyrus strip by at least 1/16 inch. Cover a sheet of linen and felt on both sides of the laid out papyrus strips.
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6
Use the two wooden boards that are the same size of the papyrus strips. Press the papyrus strips in between the two wooden boards to flatten completely for 48 to 72 hours to make papyrus. During the 48 to 72 hours, change out the felt with another one to assist in the drying process.
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7
Smooth out the papyrus sheet after drying. Roll over the papyrus sheets with the rolling pin on both sides before proceeding to write on the sheets.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't over soak the papyrus inner strips too long. The excess liquid can dissipate in the water and will be unable to glue together the strips.
Always wash hands when handling the papyrus plant. The inner layers can be toxic if liquid touches hands and is not washed off before handling other duties.
