Environmental Printing

Recycled Handmade Paper Recipe

Have you ever wondered how recycled paper is made? Here's a way to use up all those scraps of paper you have lying around and have fun! You'll need:

	Scrap paper - you can use different colors and textures		Blender or food-processor
	Dryer lint, flower petals and leaves, if desired		Small tub large enough to hold the frame and screen
	1 teaspoon white glue or cornstarch		Tea towels or felt cloths
	Old picture frame		Sponge
	Piece of nylon or fiberglass screen, slightly larger than the frame		Water

Tear the scrap paper into small pieces. Place a large handful of the paper and any dryer lint, flower petals, leaves, etc. in the blender. Fill the blender almost to the top with hot water. Blend for 10 seconds and then let sit for 1 hour.

While you are waiting, staple the screen to the frame.

Blend the paper mixture for 30 seconds or until you no longer see any pieces of paper. This mixture is called pulp.

Fill the small tub with cold water. Pour the pulp into the tub and mix well. Dip the frame at an angle into the tub. Hold at the bottom of tub for 2 to 5 minutes (more time= thicker paper)

Lift the frame straight out of the tub and let drip. Use the sponge to catch the drips. Remove the frame from the tray. Flip the frame upside down over a tea towel. Use the sponge to soak up any extra water through the screen.

Lift the screen up very gently to leave your paper on the cloth. Hang it up using clothespins. Let it dry overnight.

Now you have made your very own homemade RECYCLED PAPER!