Making Paper

As a learning coach, I asked the girls I work with what they wanted to learn more about. The request paper! They wanted to find out how paper is made. To begin our journey, we watched a youtube video from National Geographic Kids. It was all about how paper is made.

After the video, we researched any lingering questions the girls had on how paper was made. Then we set off to make paper for ourselves! Below are the steps we took to make paper - along with some tips from our experience. 

Step 1: Rip paper or fill blender with shredded paper. Tip: If you rip paper, like I did, use 4 sheets of white and 1 sheet of colored paper to fill the blender. If you want your paper to have a specific color, add some colored construction paper.

Step 2: Add water to blender. Fill blender till it covers all the paper.

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Step 3: Blend the paper and water into a fine pulp. Using a spoon to check the mixture is helpful.
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Step 4: Get a large tub (I got mine at Home Depot) and fill with pulp. Use 4 blenders full to make 2 large pieces of paper. 

Step 5: Add water to the pulp. We added 1 and ½ gallons to the pulp in the tub.
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Step 6: Dip your screen into the pulp/water mixture, and allow a thin even layer of pulp to coat the screen. (Tip: Putting the screen into the tub at an angle helps to collect more pulp.)

Step 7: Lift the screen and allow the water to drain over the tub.
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Step 8:  Use a sponge and carefully press out the remaining water on the top. Be very careful because the sponge can easily pick up the pulp. 

Step 9: If you want, add glitter or another type of topping to the paper, when damp.

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Step 10: Use a piece of felt and flip the frame over so it is upside down. Then use the sponge to carefully separate the paper from the screen. You may also use your fingers and carefully tap the back of the frame. 

Step 11: Let your paper dry in the sunshine or in a dry place. Should take 24 hours to dry.

​ Extra directions: My father made the frames for us. He used pieces of screen and stapled them to the wood frame while adding extra support to hold the screen in place.

It was a messy time but a FUN time! The girls loved it and were very excited about their paper! 

Until next time,
​Jackie