Make Paper at Home

When you make paper, you are able to not only recycle scrap paper, but also participate in an ancient activity. Homemade paper can be used for decoration, greeting cards, letters or artwork. While there are many nuances in the process of paper making, the basic principle is the same. You begin with a collection of fibrous scraps. From those scraps you create a pulp, which is then pressed and dried to form a sheet of paper. The steps below outline the method to make paper at home.

Steps

  1. Tear scrap paper into small pieces. Each piece should measure no larger than roughly 1 inch (2.54 cm).
  2. Soak the scrap paper bits in warm water. This soak should take at least 30 minutes. If you have the time to soak the paper scraps longer, overnight is ideal.
  3. Make a frame. This step can be done while your paper scraps are soaking.
    • Cut a hole in the bottom of a disposable brownie pan. An aluminum pan is best, as it can be cut using sharp scissors. The hole should be rectangular and 1 inch (2.54 cm) smaller on all sides than the bottom of the pan.
    • Place a piece of screen or wire mesh in the pan. To keep it from falling through the hole, simply cut it the size of the pan bottom.
  4. Make a slurry of paper pulp.
    • Fill a blender with warm water, halfway. Add some of the shredded and soaked paper--about a handful. At medium speed, blend the water and paper until it takes on a soupy consistency.
    • Pour the slurry into a large tub. Fill the tub with warm water. Mix the tub contents until they are evenly incorporated.
  5. Dip the pan frame into the tub and allow it to fill with paper fibers. Gently move it under the water to ensure even distribution.
  6. Holding the pan level, lift it out of the tub. Allow water to drain out of the pan frame. With your hand, press the fibers to the screen or wire mesh. This will force more water out of the fibers.
  7. Place the frame pan, paper-side down, onto a clean, dry towel. Lift the frame and screen or wire mesh away, leaving the paper on the towel.
  8. Put another towel over the paper.
  9. Press the towel on top of the paper using a rolling pin.
  10. Gently lift the top towel off of your homemade paper.
  11. Peel the paper off of the bottom towel. Set it aside to dry overnight.
  12. Write on it.
  13. Finished.



Tips

  • To dry your paper more quickly, you can use a hair dryer.
  • Customize your homemade paper by adding items such dried herbs, dried flowers or glitter.
  • Using a shape cutter, you can shape the paper before dry.
  • If you have a wired bowl, you don't need the brownie pan.

Warnings

  • Making paper can be a messy and wet process. Consider making paper outside or in an area of your home that is unlikely to suffer from exposure to water.

Things You'll Need

  • Scraps of paper
  • Towels (2)
  • Rolling pin
  • Hair dryer (optional)
  • Dried herbs (optional)
  • Dried flowers (optional)
  • Glitter (optional)
  • Blender
  • Tub or basin
  • Warm water
  • Scissors
  • Disposable aluminum brownie pan
  • Wire mesh or screening

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Sources and Citations

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