Handmade Paper

a step-by-step guide to handmade paper

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/handmade-paper • Posted by Bridget G.

Here’s a step-by-step guide that I put together. It shows exactly how to make your own paper! This is one of the cards that I recently made for the holidays. Once you can make your own paper, it can really be turned into anything- sketchbooks, journals, cards, stationery, gift tags, etc. Perhaps you’d like to make a homemade Valentine! Take a look.

You will need

Used Paper , torn into chunks [roughly palm-sized] An old picture Frame Screen large enough to cover frame [nylon, charcoal, fiberglass, or mixed] Scissors Stapler Small Tub or sink, with a few inches of water in it Blender [optional] Liquid Starch for clothing [optional] Spices , like cinnamon, for scent [optional] Grass , leaves, flowers, glitter, etc. for embellishment

Project Budget

Time

Difficulty

Description

Here’s a step-by-step guide that I put together. It shows exactly how to make your own paper! This is one of the cards that I recently made for the holidays. Once you can make your own paper, it can really be turned into anything- sketchbooks, journals, cards, stationery, gift tags, etc. Perhaps you’d like to make a homemade Valentine! Take a look.

Instructions

1. 

   Prepare the homemade deckle. First, cut the screen to fit the frame.

2. 

   Staple the screen to the frame.

3. 

   Admire your work.

4. 

   Prepare the paper pulp. Blend 2 parts water + 1 part paper for 30 seconds.

5. 

   Add colored paper of your choice. You can also mix colors!

6. 

   Pour pulp mixture into tub/sink. Add starch, leaves, etc.

7. 

   Form your sheet of paper. Pull the screen up through the pulp & let the water drip through the bottom.

8. 

   "Couch" the water out of the paper by soaking it up with a sponge.

9. 

   Iron the wet pulp to make it dry faster.

10. 

    Once it is dry, enjoy using your handmade paper!