How to make paper

Lots of people think very lowly of paper making. "Its Sissy/Girly/Stupid (WHYDONTYOUJUSTBUYATWOBUCKPADOFPAPERYOUIDIOT), etc. Actually, its a way of saving the planet (cue corny music).

About 40- 50 percent of waste contained in Landfills and dumps all over the world is paper products: Boxes, computer paper, notebook paper, egg cartons, food packaging, etc. All of this can be EASILY and SIMPLY recycled into paper that is almost as good as new.

So why not?

And remember to vote for me in Burning Questions 7!

Step 1 What you Need

-Paper (howls of amazement). Most, if not all, types of paper work for this, but a few work best. you can use notebook paper, computer paper, newspaper (for a grayish paper), egg cartons, anything really.

- A blender OR a bowl/jar/Bucket/whatever and wooden spoon/spatula. If you use a bowl/jar/whatever, make sure its really big.

-Warm water

-Tray to dry paper in (bendy plastic is nice :D, I'm using the lid from the lid of a plastic Container)

-Sponge/Paper Towels/Towel to soak up water

Comments

[Efitall]

I prefer to use a screen (you know, like from an old window *hint, hint*). You can staple-gun it into a wooden frame, or duct tape it if you're not so keen on tools and don't have scrap wood laying around. The screen lets the water pass through and leaves the pulp behind without awkward pouring. It also dries a lot faster because it has better front/back air circulation.

I recommend you do the pouring over your compost bin, if you have one. If not, do it in the shower - you're going to wash it out anyway when you bathe, which prevents running extra water to clean out paper fibers that float away with the water.

Can also "dye" the paper with food coloring, or add flower petals/leaves/sand, etc. to give texture/color/pattern... but that might be a bit "girly" even for an eco-friendly modern man such as yourself.

[Efitall]

Oh, and handheld mixers work way better than a spatula.

[DHFabian]

Fun use for old paper. But you can take it further. When it's still a wet goo, you can put it in molds to shape it, or use cookie cutters - dry, paint, get creative! Following the steps in this instructable does result in an interesting art medium.

For home-crafted paper, you do need to spread it out flat and even, then compress it. You can make good paper for cards this way as well, paying attention to the color(s) of paper you are using.

[capkloud]

Ok, this is not making paper. This is soaking up water, WITH paper. I can tell from your other instructables, that you smoke a bit to much of the sticky icky. Please put down your bowl, and actually do something. I know i do not contribute, and that will stay that way.

[corndawg49]

WHYDONTYOUJUSTBUYATWOBUCKPADOFPAPERYOUIDIOT

Jokin'

[wilcurt]

Looks like a square, grey cookie...

[beehard44]

.................a weird square grey cookie!

[Tazom]

this probably would have worked better if there was a pressing step maybe using 2 pieces of plywood and clamps! otherwise its awesome and i want to try this myself....eventual

[cprocjr]

That looks super thick and like it will fall apart if you pick it up.

[Rotten194]

1. Read the instructable, FGS 2. I've hit my desk with this, its really strong