We all have it, piles of used paper (newspaper, filled note pads, used printer paper, even bank statements or bills) we want to recycle but why just put it in a box by the road when you can recycle and reuse it yourself...And it is Soooo easy and fun...Oh and FYI by the time you are done with it
NO-ONE will be able to get your personal information from those old bills and bank statements...
So first things first, we need to make our old paper into pulp...All you need is old paper of course, a bucket, warm water and a blender...
Tear your paper into rough square inch pieces and drop them in your bucket half filled with the warm water, let soak for about an hour...mix with your hand or a wooden spoon occasionally to make sure the paper is thoroughly wet through and begin the process of the paper breaking down...
Now we half fill the blender with the wet paper
(You can also add some flower petals at this point)
and then top off the blender with more hot water, blend for about 30seconds, now we have "pulp...Empty the pulp into a tub large enough to fit your screen into (see below)...repeat this step until your wet paper is all made into pulp...
If you are without a blender you could continue to simply mix the paper in the bucket by hand (or wooden spoon) until it completely breaks down and looks like watered down instant potatoes ....
Once all your pulp is in your tub you want to add more water, like pictured above...you can also add food coloring to create colored paper...you will need to experiment to see how much coloring you need for your tub and water level...
These are the screens I made using old photo frames with bug screen stapled to them...
Stir up the water so it is cloudy with the paper particles, then dip the frame in at an angle into the tub and hold flat at the bottom of tub for 1 to 5 minutes depending on how thick you wish your paper to be...
Being careful to hold it flat as you lift out of the water, then allow to drip dry for about 15 to 30 minutes (on a hot day)...You can use a sponge to gently soak up the excess water from beneath the frame...
When the edges of the paper begin to lift from the frame invert onto a drying rack and allow to dry until the paper completely separates from the frame without tearing...leave on drying rack until complete dried out...You have now made your very own recycled paper....
All that is left to do is put it to use...
All that is left to do is put it to use...
Water Color and Ink Rooster on Homemade Recycled PaperBlessings Kelsie
11 comments:
I've always wanted to try making paper -- just haven't gotten around to it...yet! I love yours and I love the rooster. Very nice!!!
Kelsie, what a great post! Now I wish I hadn't put my paper out by the road for recycling; I'll have to save some up and try this. Love the rooster!
If I could draw like that, I would draw on everything I could find. Great project!
That looks great Kelsie and what a good idea.
Kelsie,
Your paper turned out wonderful! I adore your drawing...any garden subject drawings? Thanks for your sweet comment and visit!
Fondly,
Pat
I make homemade paper too. Your painting is lovely.
Fantastic Kelsie! I made paper years ago and had forgotten how! It's a great thing to do!
Adorable!!!!!
That is so cool! I must try this. As a homeschool mom, I can't resist! Your newest follower. Hope you can visit me sometime.
This is such an earth-friendly idea! Really appreciate you sharing this great post with us at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop.
I checked out your post on recycled paper. The Rooster picture is wonderful.Anything with Roosters or chickens of any kind is a real craze around here right now.It's impossible to get one at an auction. Unless you want to pay a lot.Folks love them.I guess it's a passing phase like a lot of other things. Anything with Pink roses or purple grapes are my 2 favorite collectibles right now.
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