Seeded Paper

Some days (like today) my full time outside of the home job is amazing. I get to do crafts, lessons, and activites that anyone would enjoy. Today I am making seeded paper for invitations to an Environmental Banquet. I thought I might share this easy craft with all of you so you too can make your own paper or seeded paper as greeting cards, note cards, or stationary. It is really easy to do and great for the environment if you use paper products that have already served their original purpose.

Supplies needed:

• Paper: Newspaper, computer paper, notebook paper, construction paper, etc


• Blender or food processor


• Sponge


• an old picture frame


• window screen


• staples


• plastic tub large enough to fit the screen


• turkey-baster ( i have never used this but have seen it suggested)


• Cookie sheet or newspaper (for stacking the paper on)


• squares of felt


• flower seeds (if making seeded paper)

Directions:

1. Make a mold by tightly tacking the window screen onto the frame with staples


2. Fill the plastic tub about half full of water


3. 
   

   Tear into nickel sized pieces or use a shredder, place torn/shredded paper into the blender (about half full). Fill the blender about 3/4 full with warm water. Place the top on the blender, put a kitchen towel on top, and blend for about 60 seconds on low to medium speed (make sure that you always keep your hand on top of the towel). Continue to increase the speed until no paper flakes remain and pulp appears smooth.




4. 
   

   Pour the pulp from the blender into the plastic tub. Add in at least 3 blender loads of paper. The more pulp the thicker the paper will be.



5. 
   

   Slip the frame into the wash tub, gently move it from side to side to get the pulp around the top of the frame level and to the desired thickness (this takes practice). Let the layer settle and SLOWLY lift the frame out of the tub. Let the frame drain above the tub for a few moments, double check to see if it is level (if not use the turkey baster filled with pulp to fill in any uneven spots or gaps).



6. 
   

   
   



7. 
   

   After removing the frame from the water, let it drain over a sink or another tub. When it stops dripping lay felt over the entire piece, use a sponge to soak up the excess water while still in the frame. Once you have soaked up all the water you can take the frame with the felt square on top to your drying station.




8. 
   

   The next step is the hardest, don't be disappointed if you mess up a few time (I know I did). Holding the frame in both hands above the cookie sheet flip the frame over onto the cookie sheet, the felt square should be on bottom with the paper on top (no paper should be attached to the frame).



9. 
   

   Once the frame is no longer attached, smooth out the paper and any air bubbles.



10. 
    

    Now take your shaker full of flower seeds and spread them around the paper in your desired amount, remember no to overload the paper.




11. 
    

    Keep repeating steps 5-10 and stack the felt sheets on the cookie sheet to dry. When you have made all the paper you want for the day place a piece of cardboard on top of the last piece and use another cookie sheet and a weight (a brick, two litter bottles filled, cast iron frying pan, etc) to press out the remaining water.



12. 
    

    Gently separate the sheets and dry them on a clothesline or out in the sun for 12-24 hours. When they are dry gently remove the felt from the paper.



13. 
    

    ENJOY~this paper makes great gifts for anyone!