It's easy to feel creative and virtuous when making paper by recycling used paper. You don't need fancy equipment although there are nice frames to be had. Mine is by Arnold Grummer.
It's important to have a place to dispose of the left-over water and pulp when you are finished. It can't just be thrown down the sink or toilet drain because it will clog the pipes. The waste is easily composted in a garden. Because I live in an apartment, I need to invite myself to friends who have backyards or big flower boxes and don't mind if I throw out the pulpy water.
I start off by emptying out the paper shredder at home or the office. It's important to use uncoated paper. I don't use newspapers or paper with heavy coverage with colored inks. Uncoated colored paper works well but take care in mixing colors.
It only takes one sheet of shredded paper to make one piece of paper. But, I use more to make a heavier card stock. So, put the shredded paper in a blender (not a food processor) with water. You can add flower pedals, food coloring, etc. Process to a pulp and pour into mold.
Drain and blot. Then press between blotting papers and newspapers and let dry. I stack the sheets between blotting papers and newspapers and then put a heavy weight (books) on top. Then, I change out the wet blotters/newspapers regularly and press until dry.
The finished sheets can be cut to the size desired. I decorate for the occasion. Below is a gift card.
Enjoy!!
