Recipe: Paper [edit]

Step 1

1. Tear up your scrap paper into one to two-inch squares. Use about 10 percent more paper than your desired finished size. Fill a blender with water to the half-way mark, then add the paper pieces.

Step 2

2. To make pulp. Blend the paper for five to 30 seconds, depending on the look you want. I generally blend paper for 15 seconds because I enjoy the chunks of color in my paper. If you prefer this look, use 25 percent more paper.

Step 3

3. Assemble your deckle (which is just a square/rectangle wood frame with fine screen/mesh) and submerge it in a tub of cool water. Then pour your pulp into the submerged deckle. Swirl the pulp with your fingers to distribute it. You can get a deckle at any good craft store or on line or make it yourself.

Step 4

4. Keep the deckle level as you lift it from the water tub. Allow the water to drain into the tub.

Step 5

5. Remove the screen and drain rack from the deckle, and place it on a drain tray. I like using a Lucite picture box for my drain tray; it's inexpensive, won't rust, and stores easily.

Step 6

6. Lay the cover screen over the wet pulp and press it with a sponge to remove excess water. Squeeze out the water and press again, six to eight times.

Step 7

7. Remove the cover screen and lay the fresh sheet of wet pulp on one couch sheet, then cover it with another couch sheet.

Step 8

8. Use the press bar to press out the excess water. Press firmly and evenly. You may have to repeat this step with fresh couch sheets until the paper is nearly dry.

Step 9

There are several ways to dry paper once it's formed:

Step 10

1. Air dry: produces a rippled effect.

Step 11

2. Press between couch sheets under a heavy book: produces a smooth sheet, but requires more time to dry.

Step 12

3. Iron it (on high, no steam) between couch sheets: dries your paper in minutes. Beware of rippling; iron in a quick all-over motion

Step 13

Experiment! Try adding glitter, lace, potpourri, or gold threads to the deckle while the pulp is still floating.