How To: Make paper from recycled paper

Put a use to all that scrap paper lying around. Learn how to make your own paper out of paper you'd like to recycle with the steps outlined below. Perfect for a stationary project or decorative invitation!

You Will Need:
• Recycled paper
• A blender or food processor
• A basin or stopped sink
• A mold and deckle
• A flat surface
• A damp cloth
• An iron
• Two wet pieces of fabric
• Two flat picture frames (optional)
• A screen

Step 1: Tear up the recycled paper
Tear up several sheets of the recycled paper. Tear it until the pieces are postage-stamp sized, and then place them in the blender or food processor.

Step 2: Blend the recycled paper
Add water to the blender, and then blend the mixture for 30 seconds, or until you see paper fibers evenly dispersed in cloudy water.

Step 3: Add the pulp to a basin
Pour the pulp into a large basin or stopped sink. Continue blending and adding pulp until the sink or basin is half full.

Step 4: Dip the mold and deckle into the pulp
Place the deckle on top of the paper mold. Dip them into the pulp at a 45-degree angle and draw them toward you.

Step 5: Remove the mold and deckle from the pulp
Raise the mold and deckle to the surface a continuous motion, and then remove them from the pulp. Allow the water to drain away.

Step 6: Transfer the paper to a flat surface
Remove the deckle and transfer the layer of pulp to a flat surface covered by a damp cloth by placing the mold upside down on the surface, and then raising it up.

Step 7: Dry the paper
Let the paper dry. If you wish, you can iron the wet piece of handmade paper between two sheets of fabric.

FACT: In China, paper was invented in the year 105 by a Chinese eunuch.