Handmade paper all bespeckled with plants is just beautiful! You can make your own and then use it to make the prettiest cards, bookmarks, and more. This activity is great for all ages!
What You Will Need
Paper (Any kind of scrap or leftover, used paper will work! This is a perfect way to recycle!)
A large container that will hold a lot of water (A plastic tub or dishpan works well. It should be large enough to fit the mold and deckle.)
Water
Old blender that will not be used again for food
Dried herbs or flower petals—lavender (Lavandula spp.) blossoms, rose (Rosa spp.) petals, calendula (Calendula officinalis) petals, and peppermint (Mentha × piperita) leaves are fun choices
A mold and deckle. A mold and deckle is used in homemade paper making. It consists of two frames—the mold frame is covered with a screen and is where the paper is formed. The deckle frame sits on top of the mold and helps to smooth the edges of the paper. Here is a resource for learning how to make your own mold and deckle: https://www.paperslurry.com/2014/08/01/make-mould/
Sponge
Towels
Sheets of newspaper or large pieces of cardboard to dry your paper on
Paper towels
Preparation:
Place a large tub on a flat surface and tear paper into small pieces over the tub (so they are easy to drop directly into the container). Pour hot water over the paper and leave to soak for a few hours (or overnight).
Instructions:
Prepare a drying area by placing a few old towels on a flat surface, then topping with layers of newspaper or cardboard. Lay a paper towel over the newspaper or cardboard to help absorb water.
Once paper has soaked, blend in small batches. To do this, add a cup or two of the soaked paper to a blender, then fill the blender ¾ full with water. Pulse to blend. The longer you blend, the smoother the paper will be. Get adult assistance with the blender!
You can add dried flower petals or other plant material at the end of the blending process and pulse briefly to incorporate, if desired. Or, save the plant material until the end and place it on the paper in a decorative manner.
Set out a large container that is wide enough to fit the mold and deckle. Fill it about ¼ full with water. Pour blended pulp into the water and stir to combine.
Put the mold and deckle together by placing the frame without net (deckle) over the frame with net (mold).
Hold the mold and deckle firmly together, and while holding it at a 45 degree angle, dip it into the water and pulp mixture, all the way to the bottom of the container. Then lift upward, holding the mold and deckle horizontally.
Lift slowly, gently moving mold and deckle from side to side to aid in evening out the thickness of the pulp layer.
Once you reach the top of the water, hold the mold and deckle above the container and allow the excess water to drain out.
Remove the deckle from the mold and align the long edge of the mold along the edge of the paper towel in your prepared drying area. Then place the mold face down on the paper towel. Press down gently, then lift the frame away from the paper.
Scatter small pieces of dried flowers over the pulp and gently press down.
Lay a paper towel or piece of pellon over the pulp and gently sponge excess water from the paper.
Leave to dry.
If paper is beginning to roll up as it dries, use a rolling pin to gently roll it out.
Source: The Herbal Academy, Adapted from Stacy Karen (Karen, n.d.). This project is excerpted from the Herbal Academy’s Online Nature Camp: Herbalism for Kids.
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