How to Cast Cotton Paper
Making your own paper castings is a fun and easy craft project. It can be done in one afternoon using just a few inexpensive items from the craft store, plus a couple of items found in your kitchen. Use the cast paper to create unique holiday ornaments, Valentines, gift tags or stationary. Each molding can be decorated differently so that every paper casting is a one-of-a-kind creation.
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Things You'll Need
- Kitchen blender
- Water
- Cotton linter
- Paper casting powder
- Mesh strainer
- Mold
- Sponge
- Putty knife
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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1
Fill the blender half full with water.
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2
Tear cotton linter into small pieces about 2 inches square. Put about nine of these in the blender with the water. Let the paper steep in the water for a few minutes.
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3
Add 1/8 tsp. casting powder to the blender. Casting powder will help strengthen the finished paper. Color your paper by adding colored paper scraps or paper dye.
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4
Blend the mixture for about 30 seconds on medium speed. The mixture should be like applesauce. If it is too thin, add more linter. If it is too thick, add more water.
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5
Spray the mold with a very light coating of cooking spray. To make sure there is no excess of oil on the mold, rinse it in warm water and tap out any water drops.
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6
Pour the blended mixture through a strainer. If you are making another batch of pulp, save the water in a bowl to use again. You can use a mesh bag or nylon stocking for this step instead of a strainer. Do not press on the pulp to remove any water at this point.
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Pick up a small amount of pulp and place it in the mold. Pat it down gently to remove bubbles. Keep putting pinches of pulp in the mold until it is covered. Use a sponge to press the pulp into the mold, and squeeze out the sponge often to help remove as much water as you can. Take lots of time for this step because the cast paper's details depend on how well you press the pulp into the mold and how much water you can remove. You can also use a stiff-bristled brush to tap the pulp into the mold.
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8
Let the pulp dry in the mold overnight. Alternatively you can place it in the oven at about 125 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately three hours. Make sure the mold is not plastic because it will melt if you choose this drying method.
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Pry the edges of the dried paper gently away from the mold with the putty knife. Go slowly. If you tear it, patiently work it back into place to repair the tear. Gently lift the cast paper out of the mold and you are finished.
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Tips & Warnings
You can buy cotton linter, casting powder, and paper molds at craft supply retailers.
For molds you can also use cookie molds or cutters, candy molds, or clay stamps.
Paint your dried paper or embellish it with dried flowers, rhinestones or beads.
If the cast paper tears while removing it from the mold, you can put it back in the blender with more water and try again. You will not need to add more casting powder.
You can freeze extra pulp in an airtight container for later use.
Do not pour the pulp down the drain or put it in your garbage disposal. It can harden in the pipes and cause plumbing problems.
