How to Make a Piece of Paper

Homemade paper

You can use leftover construction paper, tissue paper, wrapping paper, newspaper, magazines, crepe paper or other paper scraps to make homemade paper. This paper will have a rough texture. Use your homemade paper for writing, decoration, stationery or gifts. You can add leaves, flower petals or glitter to the pulp to decorate the paper. The mold you use will dictate the size and shape of your paper.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap paper
• Water
• Blender
• Starch
• Sponge
• Wooden frame with screen
• Large sink or tub

Instructions

1. Tear up the scrap paper into small pieces and put them in the blender. Add paper bits until the blender is half full. Then add water until the blender is full. Put the lid on the blender and blend until the paper and water make a pulp.

2. Blend for three to five minutes. Stop the blender and check to see whether the paper and water have made a pulp. The paper should be chopped into tiny pieces. When it's a pulp, add two tablespoons of starch. Blend for one minute.

3. Hold the wooden frame over the tub or sink. Pour the pulp and water mixture onto the center of the wire frame. Use your hands to smooth the pulp over the screen.

4. Lay a towel on a flat surface. Lay the frame on the towel. Put the sponge on the pulp on the screen and soak up the excess water. Squeeze the water out of the sponge over the sink.

5. Lay out another dry towel. Flip the screen over so the paper faces the towel. Gently tap the screen to remove the paper. Leave the paper to sit out and dry. This will take approximately a day, depending on humidity and the thickness of the paper.

References

• Pioneer Thinking: How to Make Paper