How to Make a Mold & Deckle Set

Handmade paper has more texture than purchased papers.

Handmade paper provides a variety of uses in scrapbooking and other paper crafts. Torn paper and other fibers are mixed with water to form a pulp. The pulp is then shaped into thin sheets of paper with a mold and deckle set. The mold is covered with fine screening, which holds the paper pulp in the shape of the sheet while still allowing the excess moisture to drain out. The deckle prevents the pulp from sloshing over the edge of the mold, ensuring the edges of your paper are even and smooth.

Things You'll Need

• Wood picture frames
• Nylon or metal screen
• Scissors
• Stapler and staples

Instructions

1. Remove the cardboard backing and glass from two 5-by-7-inch picture frames. Use wooden frames that have flat fronts for the mold and deckle.

2. Cut a piece of nylon mesh screen or metal window screen so that it is ½ inch larger on all sides than the picture frame. Use a screen with the finest mesh opening available so that the paper pulp does not fall through the screen during paper making.

3. Staple the screen to the back of one of the frames. Staple along one side of the mesh and screen to begin. Space the staples about 2 inches apart and placing them within 1/4 inch of the outer edge of the frame. Pull the screen taut and staple the opposite side in place. Continue to staple the top and bottom of the mesh to the staple, pulling the screen material as taut as possible throughout the process.

4. Trim off any screening material that overhangs the edges of the picture frame. Cut the screen so it is flush with the sides of the frame.

5. Set the deckle, which is the frame without the screen, on top the mold. The screen is sandwiched between the two picture frames when the mold and deckle are held together properly during the paper making.

Tips & Warnings

• A deckle is not necessary for all paper making. Make a quick mold by placing the screen in an embroidery hoop.

• Use different sized and shaped picture frames to create different designs of paper.

• Do not force the staples into the frame, as this can cause the wood to split. Tap the staples gently with a hammer if they do not penetrate fully into the frame.

References

• Cornell University: Build a Mold and Deckle Set
• Exploratorium: Handmade Paper