DIY: Handmade Paper

One of my to-do's is handmade paper.  I bought this handmade paper making kit from Papemelroti years ago and used it once to make a total of four sheets of paper.  That's right, four sheets!  Still, I decided to give it another go, hopefully making a whole bunch this time.

Here is a simplified step-by-step guide based from the kit instructions  (refer here for more detailed instruction).  I love how Papemelroti consciously promotes not only recycling materials but earth-friendly activities, too!

Things needed:
*bunch of scratch/used paper
*water
*starch
*blender
*basin
*newspaper
*sponge
*Deckle (part of kit)
*Mold (part of kit)

1. Tear/cut used paper into 1/2 inch squares.

2. Use a blender to mix the paper with water.  I used the proportion: 2.5 cups of paper = 3.5 cups of water.

3.  Place mixed paper and water into the basin.  Add 2 tablespoon starch.

(Kinda looks like food...)

4.  Place the deckle on top of the mold (wires should be in between) and scoop up paper.  Shake a bit to get rid of excess water.

5.  Remove Deckle and place Mold on newspaper with the used paper between the mold and newspaper.  Using a sponge, soak up remaining excess water.

6.  Detach Deckle from the paper.  Design *optional*.

Design # 1: Decided to press some dried leaves

Design # 2: Paper with dried flower petals

7.  Leave the paper for 0.5-1 day or until dry.  By then it should detach easily from the newspaper.

And voila!

Relatively easy, right?


Verdict: Fun to do and very informative but if you desperately need papers, better just buy a ream from the store!  I think I cut out around 50 used-up paper to make 17 sheets of paper.  Plus I spent hours doing this stuff!