Making Handmade Paper

[Guest guest]

Hi folks,

 

This is a fun one for you and the kids, and it is a really good way to

recycle waste into something wonderful!

Makes a great rainy day/snowy day craft project!

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

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Making Handmade Paper

 

Paper making can be a very simple or extremely intricate process. Here

I've provided some simple papermaking instruction to get you started.

There are many ways to texture and color your papers. Don't be shy to

experiment with your materials. Also remember, you don't have to use

only paper to make paper! You can add plant matter such as flower

petals, leaves, seeds and even little whole flowers! Just add it to the

pulp mixture after it has been through the blender. You can add scraps

of yarn, embroidery thread, glitter, and more. Its only limited by your

own creativity! Experiment, have fun and let your creative side run

wild! Some of ideas will turn out better than others but don't let that

stop you.

 

Basic Paper Making:

Here are some example of the types of paper and material that can be

used:

Computer/Office Paper

Newspaper (If you want a grayish colored paper)

Magazines

Fiber Egg Cartons

Old Cards (For heavier paper)

Toilet Paper

Paper Bags

Non Waxed Boxes (Pre-soak in warm water)

Tissue Paper (For finer paper)

Napkins

Construction Paper

Laundry Lint

Shredded denim

Supplies you'll need:

Sponge

Window Screening (this is your mold)

Wood Frame (old picture frame can be used too) or a large embroidery

hoop

Plastic Basin/Tub (Large enough to totally immerse frame)

Blender/Food Processor (For making paper pulp)

White Felt or Flannel Fabric

Staples or Tacks (For tacking screen on frame)

Liquid starch (optional)

 

Instructions:

First, make your mold. This is made by simply stretching a screen over a

wooden frame and stapling it. This can also be done by placing a screen

into an embroidery hoop (the same way one would place fabric in the

hoop) It should be as tight as possible.

 

Now make your fabric cushion for " couching " the paper. Make a flat pad

of newspaper with a layer of felt or flannel on top of it. This is what

the paper will come out of the mold on.

 

Select the paper/materials you want to use. You can certainly mix

different types which will create a more unique paper.

 

Rip the paper into small bits, and place into the blender (only fill

about half way). Proceed to fill the blender with warm water. Run the

blender slowly at first then increase the speed until the pulp looks

smooth and well blended. (this takes about 30 -40 seconds for average

paper, about 60 seconds for tissue and up to 90 seconds for card stock)

Check that no flakes of paper remain. If there are, blend longer. The

papers can also be soaked over night to help the fibers break up easier.

 

Fill the basin about half way with water. Add 3 blender loads of pulp.

(the more pulp you add the thicker the finished paper will be) Stir the

mixture.

 

Stir 2 teaspoons of liquid starch into the pulp for sizing. This is not

necessary but if the paper is going to be used for writing on or

stamping, you should add the starch because it helps to prevent inks

from soaking into the paper fibers.

 

Vertically place the mold into the pulp water and then level it out

horizontally while it is submerged. Gently rock it side-to-side until

the pulp on top of the screen looks even.

 

Slowly lift the mold up until it is above the water level. While

continuing to hold your mold horizontally, gently shake to evenly

settle your paper fibers and continue to hold it over the basin to let

most of the excess water drain from the new paper sheet. If the paper is

too thick, you'll have to start over, removing some pulp from the tub.

If it is too thin, add more pulp and stir the mixture again.

 

When the mold stops dripping, gently place one edge of the mold,

vertically, on the side of a fabric square (felt or flannel square).

Gently ease the mold down flat (paper side down), with the paper

directly on the fabric. Press firmly against the fabric cushion. Use a

sponge or rag to press out as much water as possible. Wring whatever

excess water from the sponge back into the large plastic tub. If using

the embroidery hoop, remove the top (empty) ring now.

 

Now comes the tricky part. Slowly lift the nearer edge of the mold while

holding the further edge of the mold down firmly with the cloth. The wet

sheet of paper should remain on the fabric. If it sticks to the mold,

gently shake the mold or use a palette knife to remove it. Also, you may

have pulled it to fast or not pressed out enough water. It takes a

little practice but gets easier with each try. You can gently press out

any bubbles and loose edges at this point.

 

Make more sheets by repeating the steps above, and stacking the paper

squares on the cushion, making sure to place a damp fabric square on top

of the last piece of paper each time. The newspaper pad beneath the

cushion may have to be changed several times. You can also use a cookie

sheet to press the remaining water out of the stack (do this outside or

in the bathtub, it can make a big mess). Weigh down the stack of papers

with a few heavy books and allow to dry. The papers can also be dried

individually but will have to be ironed to flatten after they dry.