Step-by-step on Paper Making

Here's how we make our handmade recycled paper.

Materials:
• Old paper (worksheets, printer paper, junk mail, paper bags, etc.)
• Warm water
• Blender
• Large container or tub
• Papermaking screen/deckle (or a fine mesh screen) LINK: https://tinyurl.com/3jxp6ava
• Sponge or absorbent towel
• Bedsheet, felt, or cotton fabric for drying

Step 1: Tear
Tear the paper into small pieces (about 1–2 inch squares). Make sure to remove any stickers, paper pins, etc

Step 2: Soak
Cover with warm water and let it soak for at least 2 hours (overnight works even better).

Step 3: Blend
Add a handful of soaked paper to a blender with enough water to blend smoothly. You're looking for a thin "paper smoothie."

Step 4: Make the Pulp Vat
Pour the blended pulp into a large container and add about 4–5 times more water. Stir well so the pulp is evenly suspended.

Step 5: Pull Your Paper
Hold the screen flat, dip it into the pulp, and lift it straight up. Give it a gentle shake to spread the fibers evenly.

Step 6: Drain
Let the excess water drip back into the container for a few seconds.

Step 7: Press
Place the screen face down onto a bedsheet or cotton fabric. Use a sponge or towel to press out as much water as possible. Pay extra attention to the corners and edges—they help create a clean, even sheet.

Step 8: Transfer
Carefully lift the screen away. The wet sheet of paper should remain on the fabric.

Step 9: Dry
Leave the paper flat until completely dry. Drying time depends on the weather but in the sun it takes a few hours.

Step 10: Peel
Once dry, gently peel the paper off the fabric.

✨ Your handmade paper is ready! Turn it into greeting cards, bookmarks, gift tags, journals, cyanotypes, or use it for your next art project.

One tip I'd add from experience: If your first sheet doesn't turn out perfectly, don't be discouraged. The second or third sheet is usually much better once you get a feel for how much pulp to scoop and how firmly to press. It's one of those crafts that gets easier almost immediately.

If you make some, I'd love to see it! Tag @ArtsyPantsClub so I can cheer you on. 💙