two tins, or plastic containers (the size of these containers will determine the size of your paper) paper towels a blender an iron one piece of hardware cloth two pieces of non-metal window screen (nylons stretched tight over a frame will work in a pinch) a variety of used paper, postcards, wrapping paper, or any other coloured & textured paper an old cloth to be used between the paper and the iron a tray to limit messy spills a sponge.

Cut one end out of one container, and both ends out of the other. Place the can with one end open in the tray - open end up. Place a 15cm x 15cm piece of hardware cloth on top of the container.

Place one 15cm x 15cm piece of non-metal screen on top of the hardware cloth. Place the other container on top of the window screen making sure the rims match.

Take the sheet of used coloured paper you have chosen and cut it into an 18cm x 18cm size sheet. Tear the sheet into smaller pieces and drop them into the blender. Blenders can be very dangerous so make sure an adult helps you with this step. Add 1.5 cups of water to the blender.

Blend for about 20 to 30 seconds (shorter time for courser paper). Remove from blender stand and add decorative bits such as glitter, cellophane, ribbon, foil, flowers, string, or anything else you think might work. Pour the pulp from the blender into the containers from step 1 (ask someone to hold the containers steady to avoid spills).

Wait for the water to drain. Raise the top container straight off. This is your new handmade paper! Lift the window screen (with new paper on top) off the hardware cloth and place onto several paper towels. Place the second window screen over the paper for protection. Sponge all excess water by pressing down on the screen and new paper. Continue to do this until most water has been removed. Carefully peel off top screen.

Flip remaining screen and paper onto paper towel and continue removing excess water with sponge. Peel paper off of screen. You can set the paper on paper towel and wait for it to dry. For quick drying paper, just iron. Remember to ask a parent for help when using a hot iron. Place an old cloth on top of paper circle to protect paper and avoid steam. Good Job!

Home > Timber Town > Recreation Centre > Paper Making