Homemade Paper

Step 8 Finished products.

Once you feel comfortable with the paper-making process, you can start experimenting with different colors of paper, etc.

Adding a water-based paint can turn a dull mixture into a colorful piece of paper!

Here's some of the sheets I've created in past attempts. I have a few sheets for sale in my online store--->

http://thickneckarts.etsy.com

Comments

[ultraorient]

If one wanted to use the paper for stationary what kind of sizing would you suggest and how much?

[AdamVanMeter]

Gelatine - the unflavored sort sold at the grocery store - can supposedly be used for sizing, so it won't bleed as much. As can a bit of elmer's glue, I've heard. This is all secondhand, though - I haven't made any paper of my own to be sure.

[ultraorient]

Thanks so much, Mr. VanMeter. :)

[thickneckarts]

Probably a small picture frame for your mold. The pieces above are about 10"x8", which is a good size for cutting down to make stationary. As far as thickness, the more mixture, the stiffer the paper, so just use a bit less to start with and experiment with adding more if needed after it's dried a bit. Honestly, experimentation is the best answer I can give you.

[ultraorient]

I apologize that I did not make myself clear. Sizing is a liquid that is added to the pulp so that when writing on the paper the ink does not sink into the paper, thus distorting the letters to the pint of not being able to read it. I have heard that a tablespoon of liquid starch puts a semi-permiable film on the paper. I have not tried that yet. I did, however use a piece of lace instead of the extra screening material and let the pulp dry in it. It makes beautiful embossed paper.

[egbertfitzwilly]

Yes, that is correct. The amount of starch to be used varies a great deal based on the stock you use and the desired effect. Cornstarch can also be used although it takes some preparation. Traditionally paper is measured in pounds per ream (500 sheets) so 20 lb paper uses 20 lbs of pulp to produce 500 sheets. So practice a bit and when you feel comfortable start tuning down the amount of pulp actually in the water when you dip your screen. This will reduce the thickness of your finished sheet. Also if you have a rolling pin and a marble cutting board (or something similar) wait until the sheets are almost completely dry and then press them with the rolling pin to get to finished surface.

[ultraorient]

Thanks for your info, egbertfitzwilly. It so happens I have a marble cutting board AND a marble rolling pin.

[thickneckarts]

Good to know. lol. I haven't used such a technique yet but definitely will try it out! Thanks :)

[sneakyparasol]

I've seen hand made paper before with rose petals etc in it. At what point in this process would you add it ?
Great instructions by the way!

[thickneckarts]

I haven't tried that yet but I'd say probably when spreading the pulp across the screen. When the pulp's pressed, the petals should stay in place.

[dobbylvr]

how long does it take to dry? wonderful ible by the way

[thickneckarts]

Drying depends on thickness, humidity, etc. I built extra screens so that both sides can dry evenly and that takes some time off the process too. I've used a dehumidifier but that can make the paper curl :( All in all, I'd say at least a day-day.5

[jessica9232]

do you need to use a blender? i recall doing this as a kid, but i don't remember using a blender.

[thickneckarts]

You can use a pestle & mortar.

[Alexbretherton]

awesome idea i'm gonna make loads of this

[thickneckarts]

Sweet! Have fun!

[noxelt]

2 Questions...1. Does your paper "stick" to the screening? Mine does and I am wondering what to do to prevent that. 2. Have you (or anyone) tried a dehydrator or other way to speed up the drying process? Answers/suggestions appeciated.

[thickneckarts]

I have a few make-shift screens that are only for drying so I usually transfer the still-wet paper to another screen for drying. Thumping the back of the screen (opposite the paper) with you finger should loosening it up. I have used our dehumidifier which speeds up the drying process but not enough to warrant using the extra energy.

[noxelt]

Thank you! How soon after pressing the paper between the screens do you transfer to the other screen? I assume you still keep a another screen on top to keep the paper flat. Is that correct, or do you use felt? Again, thank you!

[thickneckarts]

Time isn't necessarily of the essence but I tend to do it all in one go so I can get on to the next piece. I set a larger screen ontop of the drying paper screen. The weight of the larger frame's edges will keep the paper flat. The plus to this process is having screens on both sides of the paper, rather than felt on one side, will allow it to dry faster.

[RoyalPayne]

I use the paper from my shredder. The stuff I have left over after I use it for mulch around my garden plants. This way, all the paper I receive through the mail is used greenly, and does not end up in the land fill. Wonderful colors, your paper. Has any one a instructable for envelopes to match?

[Lori Ell]

tfs beautiful paper

[enteraction]

dope!

[thickneckarts]

Thanks :D

[tinatakesflight]

can you fold and crease it like regular paper with out it tearing?

[thickneckarts]

You can. It's best to do so before it dries completely but not before it has had time to set up. I would give the sheet at least a day to set up and then test it out. If you try to lift it and it immediately goes limp, it's not ready.