How to make paper

Here’s how you can reuse your old newspapers or scrap paper and turn it into your own unique handmade recycled paper and save the trees while you are at it!

What you need

• Scrap paper –
• Newspaper
• tissue paper
• Magazines
• egg cartons
• old cards
• Paper bags etc.
  
• Large tub
• Old wire coat hanger
• Old Stockings
• Food processor or old Blender
• Sponge
• Flowers, herbs, seeds or leaves (optional)

1. Tear paper into 2cm strips, soak paper in a tub of warm water for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
   
   
2. Make your frame with the coat hanger by stretching into a square shape. Next stretch one leg of your stocking over frame and secure tightly.
   
   
3. Add a handful of paper pulp to blender with 1 litre of water and blend till smooth.
   
   
4. Pour mixture into the tub and fill with warm water. Stir mixture with hand to spread the pulp evenly through the water. Add flowers, herbs, seeds or onion skins to enhance texture and colour.
   
   
5. Slide frame into the tub trying to place it under the pulp. Move frame around until an even layer of pulp settles on the screen.
   
   
6. Lift frame out of tub maintaining even layer of pulp ad drain away water. Gently squeeze excess water out by using your fingers and pressing. Place a sponge under frame to soak up excess water from under screen.
   
   
7. Turn onto clean tea towel or newspaper lifting the screen gently.
   
   
8. You may want to dry in the sun or try covering paper with a cloth and squeeze out moisture by using a rolling pin over the paper and cloth.
   
   
9. Remember not to let left over paper pulp go down the drain, strain and throw away or you can even freeze the excess for next time.