How do you make homemade paper?

How do you make homemade paper featured

Materials needed to make homemade paper

To make homemade paper, you will need the following materials:

  • Recycled paper or newspaper
  • Water
  • A blender
  • A basin or tub
  • A mold and deckle (or a frame and screen)
  • Cloth or sponge
  • A rolling pin or wooden press
  • A drying rack or towels

Step 1: Prepare the paper pulp

Start by tearing the recycled paper or newspaper into small pieces. Soak the pieces in water overnight or for a few hours until they become soft. Once the paper is soft, blend the soaked paper and water together in a blender until it forms a thick pulp. The amount of water needed will depend on the consistency of the pulp you want.

Step 2: Set up the mold and deckle

The mold and deckle are the tools used to shape the paper. If you don’t have a mold and deckle, you can make one using a frame and screen. Remove the glass from a picture frame and staple or glue a screen to the back of the frame. This will serve as your mold and deckle.

Step 3: Dip the mold and deckle into the pulp

Dip the mold and deckle (or frame and screen) into the basin or tub filled with water. Make sure the mold and deckle are parallel to the bottom of the basin. Shake them gently from side to side while they are submerged to evenly distribute the pulp.

Step 4: Lift the mold and deckle to drain the excess water

Slowly lift the mold and deckle out of the water while keeping them level. Allow the excess water to drain back into the basin, leaving a thin layer of pulp on the screen. You can gently tap the back of the frame to help the pulp settle evenly.

Step 5: Press and dry the paper

Place a cloth or sponge on top of the pulp and press down gently to remove more water. Carefully remove the cloth or sponge and place a drying rack or towels underneath the screen. Place a second cloth or sponge on top of the screen and use a rolling pin or wooden press to press out any remaining water.

Leave the paper to dry for 24-48 hours, or until it is completely dry. Once dry, carefully peel the paper off the screen and your homemade paper is ready to use!