What size do you want to make? Check your local community ed classes to see if they offer papermaking. Or papermaking may be done in a bookmaking class. I suggest taking a class if you are serious about making large papers. There are several 'how-tos' on the web.
-You can make small fun papers using 2 coffee cans & window screen. (You can use smaller cans but the coffee cans make a good size.)
-For paper pulp- use any torn up scrap paper (thin), paper towels, toliet paper and color lint from your dryer. You need a blender or mixer. (This can ruin your food blender blades so use an old one.)
-Cut both ends off ONE of the coffee cans. Cut screen to be larger than the opening of the coffee can.
-To make pulp- put paper scraps, lint into blender. (try very soft papers for the first time) Add water and blend. (pulse blending will work) You will have to guess/experiment with the water/paper ratio but use more water than paper. about 1 cup papers and 2- 4 c. water
-Put the screen on top of the can that has a bottom. Put the open coffee can on top of the screen.
-Take the water/pulp mixture and pour into the open coffee can. The screen will catch the pulp and the water will pass through to the lower can.
-Take off the top can. Congratulations! You now have a round wet piece of paper! Papermakers place their papers on felt to dry the paper. You can use wax paper or a surface that the paper won't stick to. Repeat the process till you use up the pulp. Flip screen quickly upside down to remove paper from the screen. If you mess up, just put the pulp in the blender again and repeat the process.
-Embellishments- While paper is wet and still on the screen you may add small bits of colored or metallic thread, bits of leaves, flowers etc.
It can be fun to try different embedded materials to see what works best. Food coloring or paints can be added for color.
It's really fun to try to make a design with two different color paper pulps. Pour the first pulp. Push and move the pulp on the screen to expose the screen to make desired design. (may need to pat flat) Pour second color and the screen will catch the design.
Enjoy!!
