How to Make Your Own Paper

Many people feel curious about making their own paper. This craft will result in the creation of unique pieces of paper that can be used as decorations, cards and even notepads. Such accessories will be very efficient for parties – just imagine making your own baby shower cards and invitations.

Before getting started, you need to understand the basic paper-making technologies. Two strategies can be utilized. Paper is either made through the extraction of cellulose from plants or through the recycling of old paper.

When you are working at home, you will find it easier to create recycled paper. Apart from the fact that you will have much fun, you will be doing something beneficial in terms of nature preservation.

Your first attempts could result in failure or paper that looks different from what you had imagined. Follow these steps carefully and keep on trying until the final results correspond to your needs and preferences.

Paper recycling in its heart is very simple. You will have to put old paper in water and turn it into pulp. This pulp has to be placed in a mould or filtered through a screen. Once the water drains away, you will be getting your pieces of homemade paper.

Step 1: Cutting the Old Paper
Get some old paper that you would want to recycle. Cut it into small pieces or get it shredded.

The pieces need to be relatively small. Use a blender to turn those into pulp. The basic rule of making pulp is that you will need sufficient amounts of warm water. Let the shredded paper soak for a little while. You will then be able to easily create pulp.

When blending, you can add decorations to the paper. Coloring it is one option. You can also use feathers, plant leaves or threads that will form beautiful patterns, once your paper dries.

Step 2: Straining the Paper
To get paper, you will need to remove the water from the pulp. A common household screen can be used for that purpose.

You can also make your own screen. Place two layers of gauze on top of each other. Stretch those well and use a frame to keep the screen drawn tight. Pour an even layer of pulp onto the screen. Give it some time until most of the water is already filtered out.

Step 3: Get Your Paper Dry
The dried pulp is a single sheet of paper. You will have to be careful when taking it out of the screen since the pulp is still relatively wet.

Take a piece of fabric and cover the paper. Use a blanket to press against that surface gently and evenly. The aim is to soak in as much water, as possible. Repeat this procedure several times. Stop pressing as soon as the blanket remains dry.

Keep the fabric on top of the paper and the screen. Turn the screen around so that the paper will now lay on the piece of fabric. Remove the screen. Put another piece of fabric on top of the first one.

To get the paper completely dry, you can use your iron. Use the lowest level of heat possible. Press strongly and feel the fabric. If it feels dry, your paper is ready. Take the top piece of fabric away from your paper very carefully.

This is the simplest procedure to make paper at home. It will be thicker and different in color from the paper that you can purchase. Still, your homemade paper can be used in the creation of unique gifts and cards that will make many people happy.




Criss White writes about party planning topics and enjoys making paper crafts like baby shower notepads. For more ideas for baby shower crafts and other art projects, visit the blog at My Baby Shower Favors.

Ideas in Creating Flower Crafts

Flowers are truly relaxing and enjoyable to work with. If you want to practice your hand with crafts, flowers can be a good starting point. Flowers are beautiful and simple, so creating arts and crafts with them shouldn’t be so complicated. Flower crafts are also fulfilling because you can see your creation around your home and as part of special events.

If you want flowers to be a part of your life, and not just products of your garden, here are some flower crafts that are easy and fun to do. Some crafts that you can do when using real flowers are flower pots, pressed flower candles, and flower baskets.

For flower pots – You can use old flower pots and use freshly pressed flowers placed with craft glue and place them on the sides of the old flower pot. You can color the pot to hide any defects or chip, and it is best if you use paint that is contrasting with the color of your flower so it gets highlighted. If you are molding a new pot, place the freshly pressed flower against the clay just before it hardens. You still have to use craft glue so that every part of the flower gets attached to the pot.

For flower baskets – You can also use an old basket and simply decorate them with flowers, ribbons and laces. You can also place loose petals to make the basket look like it is overflowing with flowers.

For crafts where you would use silk flowers or artificial flowers, you can do floral centerpieces, wreaths, and holiday décor.

For floral wreaths – Bind silk flowers in a circular pattern and add ribbons and artificial leaves as well. You can create wreaths of different color schemes to suit different areas or places in your home where you can use them.

For centerpieces – You can use small bundles or place silk flowers in vases or in small decorative pots. You can choose the color of the pot and the color of the flowers depending on the color scheme that you have in your living room or dining room.

For holiday décor – You can create a valentine themed décor, Christmas themed décor, or favors for special events such as wedding flower favors. You can prepare them beforehand and just take them out whenever you need them. This is cost-effective too as you can use them over and over again since these holidays comes every year.