How to Make Recycled Paper Out of a Newspaper

Recycle old newspapers in your own kitchen.

Making recycled paper out of newspaper is an excellent way to learn about recycling. Newspaper easily dissolves into pulp, which can be formed into handmade paper again. This recycled paper can then be used to make cards or decorations.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Bowl
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Measuring cup
• Aluminum foil
• Scissors
• Tape
• Cardboard
• Pencil
• Book
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Add hot water to a bowl until all the newspaper is covered with water. Mix up the paper scraps so that all the scraps are wet.

2. Leave the paper pulp in the bowl for two to three hours, stirring it occasionally to help it dissolve in the water.

3. Dissolve three tbsp. of cornstarch in a cup of hot water. Add the water to the bowl and stir it in.

4. Cut two sheets of aluminum foil. Make the first one about the size you want your paper to be and the second one about 2 inches longer and wider. Lay the first sheet flat on top of old newspapers.

5. Tape the second sheet of aluminum foil to a piece of cardboard. Poke small holes in the center of the sheet of aluminum foil and through the cardboard..

6. Spoon about 1/2 inch of paper pulp onto the first sheet of aluminum. Spread it around with your fingers to get an even layer of paper pulp.

7. Place the second sheet of aluminum foil on top of the first and push down to wring out some of the water. Remove the second sheet of aluminum foil and use your fingers to smooth out the paper.

8. Wrap a book in plastic wrap. Place the aluminum foil and cardboard sheet on top of the paper and the book on top of the sheet. Press down hard.

9. Remove the sheet and the top layer of aluminum foil. Leave the paper to dry overnight.

10. Repeat the process above until you have used up all of your paper pulp.

Tips & Warnings

• Add scraps of colored paper or wildflowers into your recycled paper for decoration.

References

• PBS Kids: Recycling Paper

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish