How to Make Handmade Paper

Handmade paper has a unique look and texture that sets apart from machine made paper. The beauty of handmade paper is commandable and the distinctive, tactile surface makes it special establishing a niche on the platform of paper industry.

Making handmade paper is a way to turn waste scraps of cotton fabrics, blue jeans and other waste materials into exquisite sheets of paper. There are many processes to make these paper

The beauty and rich texture of handmade paper is what makes it distinct from the machine made paper. The art of handmade paper making has a long and interesting history. Handmade paper is often made from tree-free fibers such as cotton, abaca or hemp. The quality of handmade paper is determined by the base pulp and the raw materials used. The quality of paper that you recycle or the cloth that you use will an important determinant of the quality of the paper that you get.

There are more than one ways to obtain handmade paper. With different enhancement additions, while making it, you can get a variety of designs, patterns and styles. You can add color, fragrance and other things like leaves, petals, threads, etc. The making of handmade paper demands alertness, proper space, good equipments, good time and most of all imaginations and creativity. But its easy. Here is a step by step guide on how to make handmade paper at home.

The basics tips/instructions for making your own handmade paper at home are as follows:

Preparing the pulp
You can either buy pulp from the market or can prepare it at home. For preparing the pulp at home you need some paper, shredded well with warm water. Boil and simmer it till all the paper turns into a smooth paste.

Adding Strength & Enhancements
To improve the quality of paper blend it with water and a mixture made of a cup of boiling water, a cup of gelatin and 2 table spoons of corn starch. Blend it well till it's a fine smooth flowing liquid. This is the time to add any decorative elements into your paper like food color, petals, leaves, sparkle, threads, aroma oils, vanilla, strawberry flavors , etc.

Making The Deckle & The Mould (Top & Bottom Screens)
You can obtain the screens from a stationary or art supply, or otherwise its easy to prepare at home also. Just stretch a glass screen over a wooden frame and staple it as tightly as possible.

Spreading The Pulp
Take a large container and pour the mixture into it. Check for any unshredded pieces of paper. Mix it well. Take the mold and dip it in the pulp and take it out slowly and carefully. When you get an even layer, place the deckle on top of it and use a towel or a sponge to soak the extra water around it.

The Drying Technique
Carefully remove the screens and put it on a felt or a newspaper, so that the extra water is soaked. Let it dry. And your homemade decorative paper is ready