How to Make Pulp Into Tissue Paper

Paper making is an involved process but easy to do once you get the hang of it. Tissue paper is thinner than regular writing paper and requires a thinner pulp mixture to make. Handmade paper is always thicker and more rigid than store bought papers, and this is true of tissue paper as well. When you make pulp into tissue paper you will have a thin, slightly rigid paper that can be used to wrap gifts and in craft projects.

Things You'll Need

• 2.5 gallon tub
• Mold
• Scrap paper
• Blender
• Sponge
• Towels

Instructions

1. Tear up scrap paper into 1-inch squares. Crepe, tissue and newsprint work best for tissue paper making. You need enough paper to fill a blender 3/4 full.

2. Place the scrap paper into the tub and cover with 2 inches of warm water. Soak for 4 hours.

3. Scoop the scrap paper out and place it in your blender. Fill the blender the rest of the way with warm water and blend until it is a soup-like consistency.

4. Pour the pulp back into the tub and add more water, until the tub is approximately 1/3 to 1/2 full. Mix well.

5. Slide the mold into the tub and allow the paper pulp to settle on it. Gently move it from side to side so it has an even coating.

6. Hold the mold over the tub and allow as much water as possible to drip out. Absorb the excess by blotting the top of the paper with a sponge.

7. Flip the mold upside down onto a clean towel and gently press on the back to release the tissue paper. Place a second towel on top to absorb excess moisture. Let dry overnight before using.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make a mold by stapling wire screen to an old wood picture frame. Add thread or dried flowers to the pulp mixture to make decorative tissue.