How to Make Paper With Seeds You Can Plant
Plantable seed paper is used for cards, stationary and gift tags. This handmade paper has seeds embedded in it as a decorative element, and it is completely recyclable. After reading the card or note, the recipient tears the paper into strips and plants each strip in their garden or in a container. Other elements are also added to the paper, if desired, to make it more attractive or to make a design to fit the specific use.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 wooden frames
- Window screening
- Stapler
- Paper scraps
- Blender
- Plastic tub
- Embellishments
- Seeds
- Towels
Instructions
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1
Cut a piece of window screen material slightly larger than the wooden picture frame. Stretch the screen taut over the frame and staple in place.
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2
Tear paper into 1-by-1 inch pieces. Use tissue paper, newspaper or construction paper. Avoid using glossy magazine pages.
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3
Place the paper squares in a blender until it is half full. Fill the blender with water until it is ¾ full.
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4
Place the lid on the blender and blend at high speed until the paper is the consistency of oatmeal. Stir in any bits of string or dried leaves you want to further embellish the paper. Drops of food coloring can also be stirred in to change the paper color.
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5
Pour the mixture into a plastic tub and add more water until the mixture is like thick soup. Mix together well.
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6
Set the second picture frame on top the screened frame, with the screen side facing up. Slide it under the paper mixture and gently move it back and forth so the paper pulp settles evenly on it.
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Lift it from the pulp and allow the excess moisture to drain. Sprinkle seeds on top and press them into the paper so they adhere.
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8
Remove the top frame from the screened frame. Lay a towel over the top of the paper and gently press on it to absorb excess moisture. Flip the frame over, with the towel still in place.
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9
Lift the frame away from the paper, which is now laying on the towel. Allow it to dry overnight; then it is ready to use.
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Tips & Warnings
Use seeds that don't require special pre-planting treatment. Avoid those needing cold stratification or scarification in order to germinate.
Include planting instructions on the back of the card, tag or letter.
