Learn the Ancient Papermaking Craft

Papermaking is one of the world's oldest crafts, but it still is a fun project that leads to beautiful results. With a little work and practice, you can create paper that reflects your personal tastes, deciding what color, texture, even what aroma your paper will have. Handmade paper can be a great gift that's easy to make, and you'll be surprised how many uses handmade paper has in other projects.

Start With a Homemade Tool
The tools you need to make homemade paper are mostly things you can find in the house. One papermaking tool that you probably do not have, and might be hard to find, is a mould and deckle. These two pieces work together to collect the pulp to make the paper.

Here's an easy way to make one. You need two picture frames, the same height and width, fiberglass screen and a stapler.

• Remove glass and backing from frames. The paper will take the size of the frames you choose.
• Stretch fiberglass screen tightly over one frame, then staple to outside edge of frame. Trim excess screen. This is the mould.
• Place other frame on top of mould as your deckle, which establishes the edge of the paper. Hold firmly in place as you use the tool.

Once you have your mould and deckle, you're ready to begin making paper on your own.

SUPPLIES
Mould and deckle
Assortment of paper (computer paper, construction paper, colored paper, etc.)
Water
Blender
Plastic tub (must be larger than mould and deckle)
Sponge
Cloth
Liquid starch (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Tear up paper into small scraps and place into blender. Fill blender with warm water and process until the pulp has the consistency of oatmeal. If pulp is too runny, add more paper.
2. Fill the tub about half full of water, then drop your mould and deckle into the basin.
3. Pour pulp mixture onto the mould and deckle in the basin. Swirl the mould so that an even layer of pulp settles onto the screen.
4. Remove mould and deckle and let water drain through the mesh
5. Remove deckle from mould, then flip mould onto a piece of cloth. Use sponge to remove water through the screen. Gently lift the mould, leaving the pulp on the cloth.
6. Place another cloth over the pulp, and press to remove more water. Let dry completely.

If you want to write on your paper, spray some liquid laundry spray starch into the pulp mixture to stiffen the paper.

Start by using mainly white paper, and experiment with more colors as you get better. You can also add dried flowers and leaves to add a little texture to the paper.

Great Uses For Your New Paper
Now that you've made the paper, you'll come up with all sorts of uses for it. One great use is as a simple, square lampshade, but be very careful to not create a fire hazard. Homemade paper is also great for sending very personal note cards, invitations and holiday cards. Once you've mastered adding color and texture to your paper, it will look great as the face of a picture frame or as a placeholder for a fancy dinner.

Friends and visitors will appreciate the thoughtfulness of creating your own paper for them. And you'll be surprised how much fun you'll have doing it.