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Making paper is easy and fun to do, with the right tools. The measurements for this paper recipe depend on how much paper you would like to make. Try it out with a few sheets of scrap paper first, to get a feel for the technique. It can be messy, so you might want to work outside. I like to add wildflower seeds when making paper, but you could also use petals or foliage.
YOU WILL NEED:
- At least 2 dry tea towels
- A stash of scrap-paper offcuts
- Deep bowl for blending
- Electric hand mixer
- Mesh tray (available at artists’ supply stores)
- Large, waterproof, flat container (larger than your mesh tray and at least 4 inches deep)
- 1 packet small wildflower seeds
- 1 damp tea towel
Making Paper with Wildflower Seeds
Step 1
Lay your clean, dry tea towels to one side of your waterproof container. Shred your scrap paper into small pieces and place them in a deep bowl. Cover with water.
Step 2
Using your hand mixer, carefully pulse to purée the paper and water into a pulp.
Step 3
Fill your large, waterproof container with water up to about 3 1/2 inches, and stir in the paper pulp.
Step 4
Scatter in the wildflower seeds, mixing thoroughly (alternatively, you can scatter the seeds over the damp paper in the tray).
Step 5
In one, quick movement, slide your mesh tray into the pulpy water and lift it up, so that you have a fine, even covering of pulp on the mesh. If it is too thick or uneven, plunge the tray back into the water.
Step 6
Scrape the excess water from the underside of the mesh tray with your hand, and place the tray on a dry tea towel, mesh-side down.
Step 7
Roll the damp tea towel into a smooth, flat wad, and use this to press carefully all over the new paper while it is still in the tray, to squeeze out excess water. Wring out the tea towel between presses.
Step 8
Turn the tray upside down and pat gently to allow the paper to release onto the other dry tea towel. Make sure that the paper is as flat as possible before leaving it to dry.
Step 9
Dry for at least 24 hours, then use it to make invites, place cards, favor boxes, and other stationery.
Step 10
Reprinted by permission from "The Natural Wedding: Ideas and Inspirations for a Stylish and Green Celebration." Written by Louise Moon; photographs by Marc Wilson.
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