How to make recycled paper (+ mould & deckle diy) | Tutorial

Summary

In this engaging tutorial, Lisa shares her step-by-step method for recycling paper at home. She outlines the materials needed, including a blender, a mold and deckle, and various cloths, before guiding viewers through the process of turning old paper into new sheets. Lisa emphasizes the importance of soaking the paper, blending it into pulp, and carefully forming sheets with her homemade tools. The video concludes with tips on drying and flattening the finished paper, encouraging viewers to experiment and share their creations. This eco-friendly craft is both satisfying and creative, perfect for anyone looking to reduce waste.

Takeaways

• 😀 Recycling paper at home can be easy and rewarding with the right method.
• 🧴 Essential materials include a large container, sponge, blender (or alternatives), cloth sheets, and a mold and deckle.
• 🛠️ You can create a homemade mold and deckle using photo frames and mesh materials.
• 📄 The type of paper you recycle affects the strength and appearance of the new paper.
• 💧 Soak the paper pieces in water for at least 12 hours to soften them before blending.
• 🔄 Use a blender to turn soaked paper into pulp, ensuring it is smooth without hard pieces.
• ⚖️ When making paper, adjust the amount of pulp to control the thickness of the sheets.
• 🌞 Dry the finished sheets by hanging them or laying them flat, with hanging generally speeding up the process.
• 📚 Press the dried paper using a book press or heavy stack of books to flatten and refine it.
• 👩‍🎨 Each recycled sheet is unique, showcasing textures and specks from its previous life.

Q & A

What materials are needed to recycle paper at home?

You will need a large container for water, a sponge or absorbent cloth, a blender (or alternatives like a potato masher), cloth sheets (cooching sheets), and a mold and deckle for shaping the paper.

How can I make a homemade mold and deckle?

You can create a mold and deckle using two photo frames, with one frame acting as the deckle and the other as the mold. Attach a suitable mesh, like a bug screen, to the mold using staples.

How should I prepare the paper for recycling?

Rip the paper into small pieces and soak it in water for at least 12 hours to soften it, making it easier to turn into pulp.

What if I don't have a blender for making pulp?

If you don't have a blender, you can use a potato masher or even shake the soaked paper with pebbles in a bottle to break it down into pulp.

How do I form sheets of paper from the pulp?

Mix the pulp with water in a container, dip the mold and deckle into the mixture, and lift it out to allow the water to drain, then transfer the pulp onto a cloth sheet.

What should I do if my paper turns out too thick or too thin?

If your paper is too thick, add more water to the mixture; if it's too thin, add more pulp before forming sheets.

How can I dry the paper after making it?

You can hang the sheets on a drying rack or lay them flat to dry in the sun. Hanging them usually speeds up the drying process.

What should I do after the paper is dry?

Once the paper is dry, carefully peel it off the cloth. You may also want to flatten the sheets using a book press or heavy objects.

What effects do the materials used have on the recycled paper?

The type and strength of the original paper you use will influence the strength of the recycled paper; stronger paper yields stronger recycled sheets.

What unique features can be found in the finished recycled paper?

The finished paper may have a texture from the mesh used in the mold and specks of color from the original paper, making each sheet unique.