How to Make Paper

Turn scrap paper into one-of-a-kind, handmade paper projects with flower petals, leaves and even seeds from your garden.

By Nancy Ondra
Filed under: Nature Crafts

Pour the Pulp

Pour about half of the blended pulp over the screening in your sheet mold (image 1), then use the back of a spoon to spread the pulp evenly. Take it all the way to the edges of the frame if you want your paper to have straight sides (image 2), or leave the edges ragged if you like the rustic look. Add more pulp as needed to fill in any thin spots. When the screen is covered, lift the mold and tilt it a bit to let more of the water drain off.

Remove the Screening

Set one side of the sheet mold on the dish towel, then flip the mold over completely (image 1). Lift the frame of the mold, leaving the screening in place, and set it aside. Starting from the middle and working out to the edges, press firmly on the screening with a sponge to flatten the paper and draw out more of the water (image 2), then remove the screening.

Let Paper Dry

With one hand at each end, pick up the dish towel holding the damp piece of finished paper, and set it in an airy spot. After a few hours, gently peel the sheet of paper from the towel, then set it on a drying rack or hang it on a clothesline to finish drying. If the paper curls or warps as it dries, place some heavy books on it to flatten it.