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Start by mixing 1 cup of flour and 3 teaspoons of alum into a double boiler. According to Care2.com, you can also use a small pan inside a larger pan if you don't have a double boiler. Pour the water into the bottom pan to bring it to a boil, but don't overfill it or the water will boil over. With the double boiler, add water and bring it to a boil under the mixture.
Next, pour water into the flour and alum mixture itself until it becomes a thick paste-like substance. Keep stirring the mixture while it heats to blend the flour, water and alum together. Keep the mixture heated until it becomes thick. Care2.com describes this stage as having a gravy-like texture. Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat and allow it to cool. You do not need to stir the mixture. Once it has cooled, stir in ten drops of clove oil. The clove oil will keep the paste from drying out when not in use. Pour the mixture into a jar with a lid and keep it refrigerated when not in use. It will last roughly two weeks like this. Apply your homemade wallpaper paste the same way you would commercial wallpaper paste.
