by Eric · March 1, 2015
Have you ever tried to make your own paper? Something that can be done to replace the ones you have used already? Well, you are in luck because this article will give you some of the most important steps to follow in order for you to make your own paper. Hopefully, you will be able to follow the instructions carefully and create something that can save the environment in the long run.
Materials Needed
First, you had to make sure that you are able to procure the following materials.
- Sponge
- A mixer – used to create (paper) pulps
- Colorless felt/flannel fabrics
- Staples/tacks—this will be used for fastening screens onto the frame/s.
- Liquid Starch
- Window screening or mold
- Wooden frames (you can utilize an old picture frame if available)
- A plastic basin or tub that can be sufficiently big for the frame
- Cookie sheets
Now that you know the materials that you will need, we will now proceed to the procedures that you ought to follow in making your own paper.
Procedures to Follow
- The first thing that you need to do is to make sure that you make a good selection of different types of paper for recycling. You can mix and match to create a unique design afterward or recycle a single group of similar pieces.
- Next, you ought to tear the pieces of paper and put it in the mixer. Make sure that there will be no more solid pieces left over after mixing. If there are, you should continue blending. Do this for about 30 to 40 minutes at gradually increasing speeds until the paper looks level and fully blended.
- The third step: Making your own mold. You can do this by stretching your window screen and fastening it onto your wooden frame. In this procedure, you can use the staples or tacks that were required.
- Next, you ought to get the basin and fill it about halfway with water. After this, add about three loads from the earlier pulp mixture. Remember: more pulp equals thicker paper. Do not forget to stir the mixture.
- Now you can put in the starch. This isn’t required. However, if you are going to use the paper for writing, then you should utilize this material. This will stop the inks from seeping into the fibers. You can add at least 2 tsps. of starch into the solution.
- After this, you can put the mold in the pulp mixture, then you should flatten it out while the mold is under. Shake it sideways to even out the pulp surface.
- Afterwards, you should slowly raise the mold from the water and let it drain out completely. Make sure that the mold is just slightly above water level. As soon as it is dried out, you should have a new paper sheet. In case the paper is too thick decrease the pulp when making a new batch. If too thin, add some more pulp and mix it well.
- As soon as the mold stops dripping wet, you should lightly place one rim on the side of the fabric rectangle, this may be felt and/or flannel. The wet sheet the paper should not stick to the mold. If this happens, It may mean that you may not have successfully drained out the water. It may take a little bit of practice, but it can be done.
- Replicate the steps on top to create more paper. You can heap the cloth squares onto cookie sheets when you finish. You should have a single cloth square to use as a cover for the stack. After this, make use of one more cookie sheet to push out any remaining water.
- After this, you can detach the sheets. Do this gently. You can dry them out by hanging them on a clothesline or displaying them on top of newspaper sheets. After they have dried out completely, you can remove them from the cloth and you have your paper.
This will be a great way for you to teach your children how to take care of the environment by showing them the value of recycling. It will also be a good bonding experience for the family for sure.
Source: Kiss the Groom
Tags: makeownpaperstepsyour