Few crafts are as reuse-friendly as the fine art of taking scrap paper and cotton fibers and transforming them into unique sheets of handmade paper. While papermaking methods vary in terms of finesse, the end result is nearly always usable and almost invariably much more attractive than the sum of its many parts.

What You Need

*Old paper, cotton fibers (try shredded denim or dryer lint).

*Cornstarch

*Stock pot

*Blender. If you’re planning on paper-making regularly you might decide to pick one up at a garage sale or thrift store for exclusive use.

*Old window or picture frame (or the equivalent built from scrap). Wire hangers or embroidery hoops can also be used.

*Mesh screen, cheesecloth or old nylon.

*Staple Gun

*Plastic dish tub or large kitchen sink.

*Old sheet, felt, or flannel for absorbing excess water.

*Sponge or towel for blotting.

*Optional additions: dried onion skins, flower petals, tea leaves, wildflower seeds, vegetable dye, colorful threads, etc.

How To

1) Fill stock pot about half full with ripped up paper scraps and other fibers. Cover over with water and let soak to break them down. Some people boil their scraps—but you’ll need to keep a close eye on the mixture, and stir frequently.

 

2) Add small batches of fibers and water to blender and puree until the approximate consistency of oatmeal.

3) Fill plastic tub about half full with warm water, one tablespoon of cornstarch, and your optional additions. Adding wildflower seeds ensures paper can be later further recycled by being planted in a garden.

4) Add the blended fibers to the tub and mix thoroughly with your hands

5) Take the frame you want to use as a mold and stretch mesh material over it tightly, securing with the staple gun if necessary.

6) Slide the mold, fabric side up, into the tub of “slurry”. Pull straight up through the mixture and drain for a few minutes.

7) Flip mold over onto absorbent fabric.

8) Blot up the excess water, and slowly lift the mold. Paper should be left on the fabric square.

9) Let air dry.

10) Write someone a letter!