Make Handmade Paper - Step by Step Guide
Posted by Ciara on 6th Mar 2023
This technique illustrates how to make beautiful paper from scratch. Make paper with paper pulp or old scraps of paper and add, for example, lavender seeds to create a lovely effect. This is a fun and inexpensive craft project resulting in a unique, useful handmade product. For many, the process and creativity of papermaking will be enjoyment in itself, without needing to do anything more with the homemade paper afterwards. Of course, you can also use the finished sheets for a wide range of paper crafts and decorations, such as cards, stationery, hole-punched hanging decorations and much more.
100g paper pulp = 20-25 A5 sheets of handmade paper.
SHOP THE PRODUCTS
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YOU WILL ALSO NEED
- Large Bucket (such as a basin).
- Mixing Bowl.
- Hand Whisk (or electric whisk).
- Sieve
Optional Extras:
- Glitter.
- Scraps of coloured or patterned card/paper.
- Dried seeds/herbs/spices.
- Dried flowers.
STEP BY STEP
Step 1.
Moisten the paper pulp and tear it into small pieces. Leave it to soak completely.
Step 2.
Whisk the paper pulp to a uniform consistency either with a hand whisk or an electrical hand mixer.
Step 3.
Pour the mixture into a tub large enough to fit the paper making frame mould. The thickness of the finished paper varies according to the amount of pulp in the mixture. Moisten the card and tear it into small pieces, adding these to the mixture.
Step 4.
Sprinkle dried lavender into the mixture.
Step 5.
Stir the mixture just before use.
Step 6.
Hold the frame vertically at the back of the tub. The side on which the screen is attached should face you.
Step 7.
Submerge the frame underneath the pulp horizontally. Push it forwards and backwards until the screen is covered and lift it out of the tub. Let the water drip off. A tip: Sieve the left-over pulp from the water, leave to dry and save it for next time. Never pour it directly into the sink, as it can block the drains.
Step 8.
Fold a piece of felt and run it across the underneath of the frame to soak up the water. Squeeze out the water and continue like this until most of the water is absorbed.
Step 9.
Turn over the frame and place it with the pulp face down onto a piece of felt.
Turn over the frame and place it with the pulp face down onto a piece of felt.
Step 10.
Soak up more water but only press lightly.
Step 11.
Carefully remove the paper making frame mould. Make sure that the pulp section comes away from the frame before lifting it. Leave the homemade piece of paper on the felt to dry. The drying time varies according to room temperature (24-48 hours). During the drying process, the colour from the dried flowers may seep into the paper, adding an extra effect.