Handmade paper

Handmade paper shown on left with papermaking kit at right.

Papermaking is nothing new but something we never tried doing before. After finding a kit to make recycled paper at a yard sale a few weeks ago we decided to give it a try. Priced at only $1 we could not pass it up.

The kit was unused. It included a two-piece wooden frame with a screen mesh stretched across one piece. In papermaking terms this is referred to as the mold and deckle. Also included was another screen, sponge, four sheets of blotter paper and dried flowers to add extra color and texture to the handmade paper. The final thing was a booklet with basic directions and other ideas to create paper.

Other items needed to complete the process include a blender, pan large enough to hold the mold and deckle, counter space, rolling pin and towels.

Ingredients that can be used to form the paper include junk paper from mail, newspapers, magazines, comic books, wrapping paper, contents of a hole puncher, tissue paper and grocery bags. Pieces of cloth from old garments can also be used.

The paper or cloth is then torn up into pieces no larger than a postage stamp. The amount used can vary depending on the thickness of paper desired.

Before processing begins the mold and deckle should be placed in the large pan filled with water, just enough to cover the screen.

The paper or cloth pieces are then put in a blender filled with about three cups of water. The paper is allowed to soak for a few minutes before processing. The blending starts off on low for about 10 seconds then is raised to high for another 20 seconds.

The consistency of the mixture will vary with the kind of paper used, but should be uniform with no lumps. If the paper is to be written on two teaspoons of liquid starch should be added at this time for sizing. It will keep the ink from running.

Accents can be added if desired. They can include dried or fresh flowers, leaves, grasses, pine needles, moss and lemon or orange zest. Other additions can be pieces of yarn, thread or string, lent from the dryer screen, bits of ribbon, pencil shavings and glitter.

All accents items should be small pieces, no longer than an inch, before adding. Otherwise they can become tangled around the blade.

Spices and herbs can also be used for texture and scent. Some suggestions are cinnamon, anise, basil, clove or nutmeg. Tea leaves and coffee grounds are other choices. Even a used coffee filter can be used.

After the junk paper and added accents are blended, pour the mixture into the mold and deckle that was prepared ahead of time. Once the mixture is poured it should be evened out. At this point the mold and deckle are lifted out of the water and drained. The sponge is then used to blot off as much water as possible.

The extra screen is then placed on the pulp and the deckle removed. Holding the screen in place the mold is turned over and placed on a towel. Then the mold is carefully removed and replaced with a blotter paper. A rolling pin is used to squeeze out more water into the blotter. The screen can then be lifted off and replaced with another blotter paper. Again the rolling pin is used to blot more water from the paper.

The paper is now ready to dry. It is separated from the blotter paper and left to air dry. Once the paper is dry we place it under a stack of books for a few hours to flatten it.

The choices of materials that can be used in the process are endless. We had lots of fun experimenting with different materials. Our plan is to make even more paper to use in making note cards.