How to Make Stationary From Recycled Paper
The green movement has created a demand for recycled products that continues to increase. Recycled stationery offers makers a chance to reuse scrap paper and also create signature items. Leaves, flower petals and other items from the garden can make one's recycled stationery stand out.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Scrap paper
- Bucket
- Blender
- Large square pan, at least 4 inches deep
- Screen
- 2 Towels
- Rubber stamps
- Glue
- Rolling pin
- Iron
- Pen or pencil
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1
Gather scrap paper. You can also use old newspapers.
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2
Tear the paper into small pieces and put them in a bucket of hot water. Soak the paper for at least 30 minutes.
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3
Put a handful of the wet paper into the blender. Mix the paper until it resembles pulp. If you wish, you may add a small amount of dye to the mixture. Mix the pulp again to distribute the color evenly.
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4
Spread a towel on a flat surface. This is where you will dry the pulp. You can also use old newspaper.
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5
Pour about 3 inches of water into the pan. Place the screen into the pan. Measure 1 cup of the pulp and pour it onto the screen.
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6
Use your fingers to spread the pulp on the screen. Lift the screen to drain some of the water.
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7
Place the screen face down on the towel. Lift the screen, leaving the pulp on the cloth.
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8
Cover the pulp with another towel. If you are drying the pulp on newspaper, cover the pulp with more newspaper.
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9
Flatten the pulp with a rolling pin. This will squeeze out the excess water. You may also flatten the pulp with a hot iron. Leave the pulp to dry for 24 hours.
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10
Make stationery with the paper when dry.
Make Writing Materials
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1
Make an envelope with recycled paper that measures 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Fold 1/2-inch seams on both sides of the paper. Measure 4 inches from the bottom. Fold the paper at the 4-inch mark. Glue the sides of the envelope. Measure 2 inches from the top and fold at this mark for the top flap.
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2
Personalize your writing paper. Cut your recycled paper to the size you wish or leave it at its original size. Use rubber stamps to decorate the paper as desired.
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3
Measure the length and circumference of the imprint area of a pen or pencil. Draw a rectangle with these measurements on the recycled paper, adding 1/2 inch to the width.
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4
Cut the rectangle out. Apply glue down the length of the rectangle and wrap the paper around the barrel of the pen or pencil.
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5
Press the overlapping edge onto the beginning of the paper to hold both ends together.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use a whisk instead of a blender. Beat the paper until it becomes mush. Add petals, leaves or other small items to the pulp to create different types of paper.
