MATERIAL:

PAPER STOCK: newspaper, egg cartons, paper bags, etc.

WATER

DISH PAN

OLD BLENDER

FRAME: inside size equal to paper size.

SCREEN: a weave tighter than window screen, should be equal to or slightly larger than the outside frame size.

FELT: two pieces for each piece of paper planned at a time.

ROLLING PIN 

IRON 

NEWSPRINT: for ironing step.

SHALLOW PAN OR TRAY

GELATIN: for sizing the finished paper

1

Tear paper stock into small strips or pieces.

Place in warm water to soak over night or until it easily breaks apart.

Use a shallow pan for this and other steps.

Do not use a sink, it will clog.

2

Place the pulp mixture in an OLD blender. (Pulp is hard on the motor.)

Add small amounts of warm water as needed.

Blend until relatively smooth.

Pour blended pulp in a shallow pan, NOT the sink. 

Add warm water & stir until soupy.

3

Place screen under frame.

Submerge frame & screen into the pulp mixture. 

Raise frame & screen allowing water to drain.

Remove frame. 

Paper mass will remain on screen.

To personalize the paper, students may add thread, glitter, leaves, etc.

4

Lay screen & paper between two felt sheets.

Place on a hard, flat surface.

Roll out excess water with rolling pin.

This is a messy step and should be done in an area that cleans easily. 

5

Protect surface with extra newsprint.

Keep felt in place, put screen & paper on ironing surface. 

Press with a hot iron in a circular moving motion

Remove screen after a few passes.

Iron paper between felt until desired smoothness.

Paper may also air dry.

6

Sizing keeps the paper from being too porous. 

Dissolve a teaspoon (+/ -) of gelatin in one cup of boiling water.

Use a shallow 2" tray or pan with 1" of water in it. 

Add boiled solution to water in tray.

Quickly, dip 1 sheet at a time, do not soak. 

Handle the new paper carefully when wet.

Let paper dry or press dry.

IT’S READY!