How to Make Paper©
Posted: Sunday, June 12, 2011
by Arlene Wright-Correll
http://www.learn-america.com
This week’s "Art Only Spoken Here" question asks, “How can I make my own paper?”
Today there seems to be a revival in making your own paper whether for calligraphy or for any arts and crafts. Here are the things you need to get started. The types of paper that can be used include: Computer Paper (unprinted), Office Paper, Newspaper (If you want a grayish colored paper), Magazines, Egg Cartons, Old Cards (For heavier paper), Tissue Paper (For finer paper), Toilet Paper, Paper Bags, Non Waxed Boxes (Pre-soak in warm water), Construction Paper, Typing Paper or Napkins. This is also a great way to recycle and a good fun project for kids to learn.
The following supplies you'll need are: Sponge, Window Screening (mold), Wood Frame (old picture frame can be used too) (deckle), Plastic Basin/Tub (Large enough to totally immerse frame), Blender/Food Processor (For making paper pulp), White Felt or Flannel Fabric, Staples or Tacks (For tacking screen on frame), Liquid starch (optional)
Here are the simple instructions:
1. Select the pieces of paper to be recycled. Mixing different types will create your own unique paper.
2. Rip the paper into small bits, and place into the blender to the half full mark and fill the blender with warm water. Run the blender slowly at first then increase the speed until the pulp looks smooth and well blended for 30 to 40 seconds and check that no flakes of paper remain and should there be just blend a little longer.
3. You will now need to make a mold and you may want to make it prior to beginning. The mold is simply made by stretching fiberglass screen (plain old door and window screen) over a wooden frame and stapling it. It should be as tight as possible.
4. Fill your basin about half way with water and add 3 blender loads of pulp. Remembering the more pulp you add the thicker the finished paper will be and stir the mixture. Here you can add bits of string, yarn, seeds, tin foil or whatever.
5. If the paper is going to be used for writing now is the time to add the liquid starch for sizing as the starch helps to prevent inks from soaking into the paper fibers. Stir 2 teaspoons of liquid starch into the pulp.
6. Place the mold into the pulp and then level it out while it is submerged while you gently wiggle it side-to-side until the pulp on top of the screen looks even.
7. Slowly lift the mold up until it is above the level of the water and wait until most of the water has drained from the new paper sheet. Should you find the paper is very thick, remove some pulp from the tub or if it is too thin, add more pulp and stir the mixture again.
8. Here is the only hard part of the process. Once the mold stops dripping, gently place one edge on the side of a felt or flannel fabric square and gently ease the mold down flat, with the paper directly on the fabric. Use the sponge to press out as much water as possible and wring the excess water from the sponge back into your large plastic tub.
9. Next holding the fabric square flat you gently and slowly lift the edge of the mold. The wet sheet of paper should remain on the fabric. Should it stick to the mold then you have either pulled too fast or not pressed out enough water. It takes a little practice. You can gently press out any bubbles and loose edges at this point.
10. Repeat the steps above until you have made all the paper you want and stack the fabric squares on a cookie sheet. Save one fabric square to place on the top of the stack to cover the last piece of paper. Use another cookie sheet to press the remaining water out of the stack. I suggest you do this outside or in the bathtub as it is a messy process.
11. After you press the stack, gently separate the sheets. They can be dried by hanging on a clothesline or laying them out on sheets of newspaper. When they have dried peel them off the fabric and now you have paper!
May the Creative Force be With You….
Arlene Wright-Correll
If your birthday falls between June 1st, & June 30th stop in for a visit at Avalon Stained Glass School & Creativity Center during our business hours and pick up your free birthday gift. There is nothing to buy and these birthday gifts will range from $10.00 to $150.00 so it might be your lucky day. Questions? Just email me at askarlene@scrtc.com
Today there seems to be a revival in making your own paper whether for calligraphy or for any arts and crafts. Here are the things you need to get started. The types of paper that can be used include: Computer Paper (unprinted), Office Paper, Newspaper (If you want a grayish colored paper), Magazines, Egg Cartons, Old Cards (For heavier paper), Tissue Paper (For finer paper), Toilet Paper, Paper Bags, Non Waxed Boxes (Pre-soak in warm water), Construction Paper, Typing Paper or Napkins. This is also a great way to recycle and a good fun project for kids to learn.
Here are the simple instructions:
1. Select the pieces of paper to be recycled. Mixing different types will create your own unique paper.
2. Rip the paper into small bits, and place into the blender to the half full mark and fill the blender with warm water. Run the blender slowly at first then increase the speed until the pulp looks smooth and well blended for 30 to 40 seconds and check that no flakes of paper remain and should there be just blend a little longer.
3. You will now need to make a mold and you may want to make it prior to beginning. The mold is simply made by stretching fiberglass screen (plain old door and window screen) over a wooden frame and stapling it. It should be as tight as possible.
4. Fill your basin about half way with water and add 3 blender loads of pulp. Remembering the more pulp you add the thicker the finished paper will be and stir the mixture. Here you can add bits of string, yarn, seeds, tin foil or whatever.
5. If the paper is going to be used for writing now is the time to add the liquid starch for sizing as the starch helps to prevent inks from soaking into the paper fibers. Stir 2 teaspoons of liquid starch into the pulp.
6. Place the mold into the pulp and then level it out while it is submerged while you gently wiggle it side-to-side until the pulp on top of the screen looks even.
7. Slowly lift the mold up until it is above the level of the water and wait until most of the water has drained from the new paper sheet. Should you find the paper is very thick, remove some pulp from the tub or if it is too thin, add more pulp and stir the mixture again.
8. Here is the only hard part of the process. Once the mold stops dripping, gently place one edge on the side of a felt or flannel fabric square and gently ease the mold down flat, with the paper directly on the fabric. Use the sponge to press out as much water as possible and wring the excess water from the sponge back into your large plastic tub.
9. Next holding the fabric square flat you gently and slowly lift the edge of the mold. The wet sheet of paper should remain on the fabric. Should it stick to the mold then you have either pulled too fast or not pressed out enough water. It takes a little practice. You can gently press out any bubbles and loose edges at this point.
10. Repeat the steps above until you have made all the paper you want and stack the fabric squares on a cookie sheet. Save one fabric square to place on the top of the stack to cover the last piece of paper. Use another cookie sheet to press the remaining water out of the stack. I suggest you do this outside or in the bathtub as it is a messy process.
11. After you press the stack, gently separate the sheets. They can be dried by hanging on a clothesline or laying them out on sheets of newspaper. When they have dried peel them off the fabric and now you have paper!
May the Creative Force be With You….
Arlene Wright-Correll
If your birthday falls between June 1st, & June 30th stop in for a visit at Avalon Stained Glass School & Creativity Center during our business hours and pick up your free birthday gift. There is nothing to buy and these birthday gifts will range from $10.00 to $150.00 so it might be your lucky day. Questions? Just email me at askarlene@scrtc.com
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