How to Make Paper (for beginners)

[Melissa Burnell]

How to Make Paper (for beginners)
You will need:
Water
Sponge
Pellon
Paper towels
Old bath towels
Blender or food processor
Measuring cups
Wire coat hanger
Old stocking
Torn pieces of plain paper – you will look at junk mail in
new ways! Now is the time to recycle tissue paper, napkins,
homework, construction paper, Kleenex, and even dryer lint.
A friend of mine spends her evenings sorting scraps into piles
based on color. She’s smart to do this so her colors don’t
turn grey or brown.
Optional materials include linters, an iron and paper press.

As you gain
confidence you can add dried flowers, coffee grounds, thread, embossing
powders, glitter, spices, confetti, feathers, and just about anything that
can be torn into small bits.
Step 1 The Frame
I made a frame by bending a wire coat hanger into a square shape bending the
hook at a 90 degree angle for a handle. I covered it with an old stocking
knotted at each end. This is crude but effective.
Step 2 The Slurry
Fill the blender with 1 cup water and 1/3 Cup of finely packed paper.

I
allow my paper to soak for about an hour first.
Step 3 The Couching Pan
Fill a large with water about 2 – 3 inches deep. Place a piece of pellon on
the frame to help facilitate removing the newly made piece of paper from the
screen.
Step 4 Making the Paper
Place a folded up old towel or stack of dry newspapers next to the pan. Pour
the blended pulp – now called slurry onto the frame while in the pan.

Spread
the pulp by swishing your fingers in the water or use a spatula, fork, or
handy utensil.
Step 5 Drying
Raise the frame straight out of the water and place on a raised edge cookie
sheet, to drain. Using a sponge, press firmly on top, wring it out and press
again. Continue this process until you cannot wring out any more water from
the sponge.

Lifting the pellon, carefully place the paper on the towel or
newspapers. Continue pressing a sponge over the surface. Carefully lift off
the pellon.

You can iron the paper until dry. By placing a thin cloth on top
ironing until the paper is dry. A simple paper or flower press can also be
used to dry the paper more slowly and give it a more pliable texture and
smoother surface.

Place the paper between absorbent newspaper or blotter
sheets, changing fairly often. This method is best for giving a pliable,
flat, smooth sheet of paper

Shelle

[Author]

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