Handmade paper is a great way to get creative with papercraft projects. With a few simple supplies and a little bit of time, you can make beautiful paper that can be used for artwork, note cards, or just about anything you can think of. Follow these steps to learn how to make your own handmade paper.
To make handmade paper, you will need the following supplies:
Using your hands, tear the recycled paper into small pieces and place them into the bucket or bowl. You want the pieces to be small enough that they can easily be blended, but large enough that they won't turn into mush.
Using the blender, blend the paper until it is a thick, pulp-like consistency. Be sure not to add too much water, as the paper will become too thin and will not hold together when you make your sheets. Once the paper is blended to the desired consistency, pour the pulp into the bowl or bucket filled with water.
Using the screen, carefully scoop some of the paper pulp onto it and use your hands to spread it out. Be sure not to spread it too thin, as it will not hold together. Once the sheet has been spread out to the desired thickness, carefully lift it off of the screen and lay it aside. You can also add in other materials, such as leaves or petals, when you are making the sheets to give the paper unique touches.
Once all of the sheets have been made, it is time to dry them. You can either lay the sheets out on a towel and let them air-dry, or you can place them in a clothes dryer on a low heat setting. Once the paper is completely dry, you can use it for your papercraft projects.