How to Make Paper Padding Compound

Make your own notepads with paper padding compound.

Mixing your own paper padding compound allows you to create beautiful handmade paper crafts. You'll save money by making the paper padding compound yourself. Consider using it for a variety of projects, such as books of your child's art, professional and elegant wedding keepsakes or party favors. The finished padding compound will remain fresh in a sealed jar for several months, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the possibilities.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 oz. unflavored gelatin
• 3 tbsp. boiling water
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 1 tbsp. vinegar
• 1 tsp. glycerin
• Wide-mouth jar

Instructions

1. Pour the gelatin into the boiling water. Use the whisk to stir the mixture until it has dissolved and no grains of powdered gelatin are visible.

2. Add the vinegar and glycerin. Whisk for 1 minute or until thoroughly mixed.

3. Pour the mixture into the storage jar. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before use.

Tips & Warnings

• The mixture may become too thick to easily apply after two months. Place the sealed jar into a large bowl of hot water to resoften the padding compound.

• Glycerin can be purchased in many pharmacies, craft stores and animal supply stores.

• Grocery stores often sell packets of powdered gelatin in the canned fruit or baking section.

• Your paper padding compound will adhere to leather as well as paper.

• Use caution when adding the glycerin because certain types reportedly caused allergic reactions and skin irritation.

References

• Tipnut: Bookbinding Glue -- Recipe
• 101 Health Steps: Dangerous Chemical -- Glycerin
• Easy Fun School: Bookbinding or Leather Glue