When the Chinese made paper 2,000 years ago, they used garbage. Rags and old fishing nets, along with plants, were boiled in a huge tub of water. They stirred the mixture and beat it into a pulp. They let the water drain and then pressed the pulp. When it dried, it was a sheet of paper. Try making your own!
You Will Need:
- used paper or newspaper
- leaves and flowers (optional) 480 ml to 960 ml hot water
- a bowl
- a hand whisk or fork
- a baking tray 23 x 33 cm
- a rolling pin
- newspaper
- paper towel
- a paper form (a piece of wire mesh with folded
- edges or window screening in an
- embroidery ring) an old cloth towel
- spray starch
What to do:
1. Tear the used paper and newspapers into pieces about the size of postage stamps.
2. Drop them into the bowl and add hot water. Beat the mixture until it is smooth. There should be no big pieces left. The pulp should be thick, but thin enough to pour, like a porridge.
3. Pour the mixture into the baking pan. Then dip the paper form into the pan, sliding it under the mixture. More the mesh around to get a thick, even layer of mixture on top. You may want to use your fingers to spread the mixture out.
4. Use both hands to lift the paper form straight up out of the pan and let the water drain away. If you like, add a design. Place leaves and flowers on top of the pulp that’s on the paper form.
5. Lay the paper form between the pages of a newspaper. Place paper towels on top of the pulp. Then roll a rolling pin over the newspaper to blot water from the pulp.
6. Turn the paper form over onto an old cloth towel. Gently remove your homemade paper from the paper form. Let your paper dry on the towel for a day. Spray starch can be used to help “set” the paper and make it easier to write on.
Picture Credit : Google
