You could run right down to the store and grab a pack of paper for convenience, but how fun it is to make your own paper from scratch. From start to finish the process is a fun way to create your own homemade paper. Kids will love being involved in the process and it makes for a great sensory play experience.
These instructions on How to Make Homemade Paper require no special supplies at all and no need to build a screen frame. All you need are some items that are already laying around your house. White is preferable for writing, but you can add a small piece of any color shredded paper and lightly tint your homemade paper. We also added dried lavender and a few drops of lavender essential oil to add a pretty touch to our paper and extend the sensory experience.
How to Make Homemade Paper
Supplies Needed:
- 4 cups shredded or torn paper
- 4 cups water
- fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- newspaper
- cookie sheet
- optional: dried flowers, essential oil
Directions:
- Spread newspaper out onto cookie sheet. You will want to use 3 or 5 layers to absorb your water.
- Place shredded paper and water in a blender and pulse until the paper has been turned into a fine pulp.
- Run pulp and water through a fine mesh strainer. I used a lingerie bag to remove the majority of the water. You want it to remain pretty wet so that it sticks together and is easy to spread around the tray.
- Pour the drained pulp mixture onto newspaper lined cookie sheet. Add oil and dried flowers at this time if you desire.
- Spread mixture over tray until it is relatively smooth and even. Note the little hands, I had a little helper who enjoyed spreading and playing in the mixture immensely.
- Place tray in a warm, dry spot and allow to dry completely. Mine took a full 24 hours to be completely dried through.
- Once dry, gently lift newspaper and peel homemade paper away from it. Cut in half for a more manageable paper size.
I have several cookie sheets that I picked up at Dollar Tree on hand. You can make 2 or 3 batches to divide up among your trays to create even more paper. I think we are going to try our hand at watercolor on these homemade paper sheets.
melissa says
thank you for this version of making paper. It is more practical! will be awesome in my “paper” unit!
olive says
This would always work if you have the same amount of water as paper?
Imani says
This is the easiest recycled paper making tutorial I have seen! I’ve been looking for one without the mold and deckle (which intimidates me a little). I have a bunch of junk mail and classified mail to get rid of and no shredder so I figured I’d recycle it into homemade stationary. Thanks so much for sharing! I’m wondering if I could speed the process along by putting waxed paper between the pulp and cookie sheet, spread it out, then add another piece of waxed paper and a smaller cookie sheet on top and putting in a the oven on low heat…. I know that’s not as Eco-friendly…
Frank says
Is it possible to use old paper grocery sacks to make paper sheets with?
Alea Milham says
Yes, but I would blend it with lighter paper so it isn’t so dark.
Anna says
This is the easiest paper making tutorial i have seen by far! I am just wonderibg if i could use a hand mixer instead of a blender? Or would it ruin it?
Thank you!