by Bridget
Here’s a step-by-step guide that I put together. It shows exactly how to recycle old paper and make it your own! This is one of the cards that I recently made for the holidays. Once you can make your own paper, it can really be turned into anything- sketchbooks, journals, cards, stationery, gift tags, etc. Perhaps you’d like to make a homemade Valentine!
Take a look.
|
|
|
|
V
Materials
- Used paper, torn into chunks [roughly palm-sized]
- An old picture frame
- Screen, large enough to cover frame [nylon, charcoal, fiberglass, or mixed]
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Small tub or sink, with a few inches of water in it
- Blender
- [optional] Liquid starch for clothing
- [optional] Spices, like cinnamon, for scent
- [optional] Grass, leaves, flowers, glitter, etc. for embellishment
Prepare the homemade deckle.
Prepare the paper pulp.
Form your sheet of paper.
Related TOE posts:
- Mia Pearlman :: Cut Paper, India Ink, Tacks, Paper Clips, Graphite, Tempera, Gesso, Colored Pencil, and Soap
- Mia Pearlman :: Cut Paper Installations
- Job 1.0 Rolling Paper
- Andres Alfonso :: A Gallery
- Rice with Shrimp Recipe :: Receta de Arroz con Camarones
Do you think the paper would hold up to being run through an inkjet printer? I could imagine some pretty cool photo prints done that way.
You can definitely make printer-friendly paper. In order to control the thickness/weight of the paper, just add more or less of the pulp to your tub full of water. I usually add 2-3 blender batches to a sink filled about 4″ with water. This comes out to roughly a dozen sheets.
Another thing to consider is the amount of starch you put into the mixture, which will make the paper less flimsy and likely to tear. A couple tablespoons of liquid starch should do the trick. For sturdier, cardstock-quality paper, add more.
Finally, you might want to trim the edges so that they’re straight. When you don’t, it has a more handmade feel, but this might not work as well with the printer.
I was the lucky recipient of your card, which I will cherish forever!
P.S. As usual, I’m very impressed by your efforts and artistic ability.