First I had the kids rip paper into about 1-2 inch squares.
Then we put it in the blender with water.
The last step is to make it into paper. Which can be done a few different ways.
One way is to dump the mixture into a large flat dish, then use a screen and move it back and forth under the water until you get an even layer. Allow the water to drip off some, then press between 2 layers of towel. You can take the "paper" off at this point and allow to dry or you let it dry on the screen.
The other way I know of is to use some kind of mold (any mold will work jello, a pan you like, or just about anything as long as it has a bottom and sides- i.e. not a cookie cutter). After you have the pulp in the blender, use your hand to scoop some out. Place it in the mold, and press it in. Tip to let the water drain out. Repeat all steps until you have a relatively even coat in the bottom and sides of the mold. Make sure it is not too thick or it will take a long time to dry.
You can choose to let it dry in the sun, on the table, or you can use a fan (or dehydrater on low).
Variations- You can make seed paper. If using the first method, sprinkle the seeds over the paper when in the water. Mix with your hand a bit so that the seeds are covered with paper when it dries.
If using the second method, sprinkle seeds when you have a good layer of pulp in the mold, then cover with a thin layer of pulp.
I hope this all makes sense. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments.
1 comment:
We did this several times when I was little. My mom took some rectangular plastic baskets (the kind you can get at the dollar store) cut out the bottom attached a piece of screening. After grinding the pulp in the blender you pour it into the screen-bottomed basket, spread it thin and even (really cool -- you can put pressed flowers, leaves, etc. on the screen first) and set in the sink or somewhere the water can drain out until it's dry. :)
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