VIDEOS IF YOU WANT TO HAVE MORE IDEAS OF MAKING PAPER

INTRODUCTION

The method to make paper was developed in 105 A.D. by Ts'ai Lun. This paper was made from tree bark, rags, and hemp. In 610, the art of paper making reached Japan. In fact, you can still find some of the world's most beautiful paper coming out of Japan.

By 751, Chinese prisoners of war were in the area that is now Afghanistan. The Chinese prisoners began making paper--thus, spreading the methods to Baghdad Egypt, Damascus, and Morocco.

Paper making reached Europe in 1200. The 19^th century brought about the industrialization of papermaking.

Today, most paper is machine made. There are still many people in regions throughout the world who keep up the tradition of making paper by hand.

Now, you can make paper at home.

MATERIAL REQUIRED

What You Will Need:

• Blender
• Rolling Pin
• Flat workspace
• Kitchen sink with stopper, or large plastic tub
• Kitchen Towels, or rags
• Paper Blotters
• Deckle (make your own, or buy one at a craft store)
• nylon screen
• sponge
• leaves, moss, glitter, or other decorations
• Paper - you can use old envelopes, papers, newspapers, stamps (but avoid glossy paper, like magazines)
• Microwave or hair dryer, if desired

STEP 1

Assemble your deckle by fitting the larger frame over the screened side of the smaller frame.

STEP 2

Fill your sink or tub with warm water (so it feels nice to touch--not too hot, not too cold). The water should be about three inches deep.

STEP 3

Now, it is time to make your paper pulp. Tear your paper into squares (about 1"). Combine water with the paper in your blender. It should be about 2:1, two parts water to 1 part paper. Blend until the pulp is soft. You might see some chunks, but not any big ones.

STEP 4

 You are ready to pour your pulp. Place your deckle and screen in the sink (or tub), so the water is about 1" below the top of the deckle. Hold the deckle down under the water with one hand. With your free hand, pour the pulp into the deckle. Swish the deckle around.

STEP 5

Lift the deckle straight up, draining the visible water. You want to keep the pulp even, so avoid tilting the deckle as you lift it. Once the visible water has drained, tilt the deckle. Wait for the water to stop draining.

STEP 6

Place the deckle on a flat surface. Remove the top half of the deckle. There will be a layer of wet fiber (pulp) on the screen.

STEP 7

Now, you need to sponge the pulp. Place your loose screen over the pulp. Use a moist sponge to evenly press over the pulp. Squeeze the sponge out into the sink, and repeat. You want to draw as much moisture out of the pulp as you can. Fold a kitchen towel, or rag, in half, then turn the pulp (with screen and deckle) over onto the towel. Use the sponge on the deckle screen to remove excess water. Squeeze out sponge and repeat.

Remove the deckle, leaving the pulp pressed against the loose screen. You can peel the pulp off of the deckle if it sticks.

STEP 8

It is time to couch (pronounced koo-ch) the paper pulp. Flip the screen and pulp onto a piece of blotter paper. The pulp should be sandwiched between the screen and the blotter. Use a rolling pin to roll over the pulp sandwich. The pulp will transfer from the screen to the blotter. This method is called couching (kooching). Couch the paper again, onto a dry blotter. If your paper pulp is still really wet, couch again.

STEP 9

Carefully lift one corner of the pulp sheet, slowly peeling it off of the blotter. It is time to let the paper dry. You can let it air dry (which takes 1-3 days depending on humidity), heat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or use a blow dryer on the paper.

Don't be surprised if your paper curls. To flatten it, stick it under some heavy books overnight.

You have just made one piece of paper!