About

Cost
$ $ $ $ $
Difficulty
• • • • •
Time
30 mins

tgif quickie :: seed packet cards
Taking a break from fabric projects this week. Too much time at the machine has given me a sewing hump. Nice image, huh? I've always loved the old-fashioned seed packet graphics. I wanted to use one as an envelope, sleeve-style, and thought--heck, Iet's use the seeds in some paper for the card. I'm crazy like that. Making paper is really really easy. Break it down, mush it up, smoosh it back together. That's about it. Yup.

Posted by goody-goody::Lauren Brandy Published See goody-goody::Lauren Brandy's 7 projects »
PrintEmbed
  • How to make a recycled card. Seed Packet Cards - Step 1
    Step 1

    Get it:

    3-4 sheets (8.5 x 11") white "rag" type paper. This just means white paper that's dense but nice and toothy. Like watercolor paper or heavy-weight art paper.
    Construction paper in desired colors. Just a sheet or two will do. This will be the accent that colors your paper.
    Small piece of screen + dowels or wood for "handles"
    kitchen dishpan filled about 1/3 full with water
    Seeds! You might need to buy a few more than is in each packet to have a nice scattering. Wilflower mixes are great.
    Paper towels and kitchen towels for blotting

  • How to make a recycled card. Seed Packet Cards - Step 2
    Step 2

    Do it:

    Tear up your white paper into small strips and then tear those strips into tiny pieces. Tear, tear, tear. Think of the guy that cut you off in traffic. Think of your annoying neighbor. Think of that tax rebate check that still hasn't shown up. And how you've already spent it.

  • How to make a recycled card. Seed Packet Cards - Step 3
    Step 3

    Put your tidbits in the blender. Add 2 cups of water and let sit for 15 minutes. This gives the paper time to get all fat and bloated. Blend on medium for a minute. Check it. Still super-chunky? Blend a little more. Once it's just kinda chunky, add small bits of colored paper (also torn into tiny pieces) until you reach a color you like. It will dry lighter, just so you know.

  • Step 4

    Pour your pulp mixture into the dishpan. We won't talk about how gross it looks. But you know what I'm talking about, right? Sprinkle your seeds on top. I'd say two tablespoons will work nicely.

  • How to make a recycled card. Seed Packet Cards - Step 5
    Step 5

    Stick your hand in the vomit--uh, I mean pulp and stir it up.

  • How to make a recycled card. Seed Packet Cards - Step 6
    Step 6

    Make little handles for your screen using the wood, roll it up a bit and clamp it with a clothespin. Holding these, put the screen in the pan and shake it back and forth like 'yer panning for gold. This will agitate the pulp, make it float up and settle down on the screen. Gently lift up the screen. Lots of holes? Put it back down and agitate again.

  • How to make a recycled card. Seed Packet Cards - Step 7
    Step 7

    Once you get a nice thick layer of pulp, gently pull it out, let it drip and put the screen on a towel. If you still need more seeds, sprinkle some on top. Place another fine weave towel on top and blot. Change the towel underneath once it gets saturated. Keep blotting until the pulp is dry enough to gently peel off and put on another towel. Let dry. The paper will curl slightly so if you want it to dry really flat, then weigh it with a book or something heavy on top. It will take a lot longer to dry this way, and I'm not that patient.

  • How to make a recycled card. Seed Packet Cards - Step 8
    Step 8

    Once your paper is dry, tear or cut into smaller pieces and glue onto cardstock for a super cute, sproutable garden notecard! Enjoy. Happy Friday!

Made this project? Share your version »

Comments

kendell64
kendell64 · Bundaberg, Queensland, AU
Interesting
Reply
Kitty
Kitty · Okotoks, Alberta, CA · 18 projects
Love the idea! Just wondering if the bleach in the paper (or if food coloring) will effect the growth of the seeds. Have you tried to plant any yet?
Reply
soon
soon
how did you make that doodle on top
Reply
Rae Rae The Jet Plane
Rae Rae The Jet Plane · Los Angeles, California, US · 1 project
Also, would food coloring work to dye the paper? Perchance I should try it...
Reply
Rae Rae The Jet Plane
Rae Rae The Jet Plane · Los Angeles, California, US · 1 project
Some one just donated huge rolls of beautiful white paper that was used for a backdrop. Thanks for the idea!
Reply
Patricia S.
Patricia S. · Roma, Queensland, AU · 5 projects
Such a cool idea! And a great how to Happy
Reply
Lilim
Lilim · 17 projects
Wow that's awesome!
Reply

More Projects