Making paper is a fun, unique project that is sure to interest your kids. The process is extremely hands-on and a bit messy, which kids love. Plus, when the paper is complete, your kids will have their very own, homemade paper on which they can write, draw, fold, cut, decorate, or give as gifts.
You will need:
Scraps of paper torn into 1” by 1” segments- you can use construction paper and paper towels as well as regular writing or typing paper
Disposable cake-sized pan
Apron or old clothing
Wire mesh screen
2 ½ gallon tub (or larger)
dish towels or newspaper
blender
sponge
household iron
rolling pin
strainer
To make your paper more unique you can add:
pieces of colored paper and/or thread
dried flowers or herbs
How to make:
First, locate a space that’s okay to get wet (maybe your kitchen table or work area outside or in your basement) and put on your apron or old clothes.
Soak the 1” pieces of paper in warm water in the large tub for at least half and hour, though overnight is best.
Next, make what is called a “deckle frame”. Cut a square hole in the bottom of the disposable cake pan (about an inch smaller than the pan’s outer dimensions). Cover the hole with a piece of wire screen.
Help your child fill the blender about half full with warm water. Add a handful of the wet paper. Blend at medium speed until the mixture has a soupy look. Then add pieces of colored paper to create color and/or stir in thread, dried flowers and/or herbs (creates texture).
Pour the mixture into the large tub and fill it with warm water. Mix until ingredients are evenly dispersed.
Place the frame into the tub. Some pulp will settle onto the screen. Move it back and forth to produce an even layer of mixture on the screen.
Keeping it flat, lift the frame out of the mixture. Hold it over the tub until most of the water has drained through. Press the pulp gently with your hand to blot out excess water. Soak up extra water from the screen’s bottom with a sponge.
Place dishtowels or newspaper on a flat surface (tabletop or floor) and flip the screen paper-side-down onto the cloth. Gently lift the screen. The paper should remain on the cloth.
Cover the paper with paper towels or dishtowel and use a rolling pin to squeeze out the excess water.
Cover the paper with another cloth or piece of felt, and squeeze out moisture using a rolling pin. Place the sheets out of the way to dry. You may want to let the paper dry overnight.
When the paper is mostly dry, you may want to use an iron at a medium dry setting. When the paper is dry, pull the cloth gently from both ends, stretching it to loosen the paper from the cloth. Gently peel off the paper.
When you’re finished making paper, collect the leftover pulp in a strainer and throw it out, or freeze it in a plastic bag for future use. Don’t pour the pulp down the drain!
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