The Green Parent

Teach your kids (or let them teach you) about the importance of trees and recycling paper by making your own paper. It’s creative, it’s hands-on, and it’s messy…so it’s sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Here’s how it’s done:

Materials:

• Scrap paper: Think junk mail, used construction paper, or newspaper…but stay away from magazines…the glossy paper makes the mixture slimy
• Deckle: You can purchase a deckle, use a strainer, or make a deckle from aluminum pans and a piece of screen (check out the video for a demo).
• Blender
• Water
• Plastic Tub or Old Sink
• Newspaper

1. Tear scrap paper into small pieces.
2. Add paper to the blender until it is about 2/3 full. Add water.
3. Blend mixture until it is about the consistency of oatmeal.
4. Add about 3 inches of water to your tub or sink. Pour in paper mixture and mix with your hands.
5. Scoop up mixture with your deckle and allow water to drain. Press gently with your hand or a damp sponge.
6. Transfer deckle to newspaper. Remove paper from deckle.
7. Flip a piece of newspaper of paper and gently press out water with your hands or a rolling pin.
8. Allow paper to dry in the sun.

Need a demo? Check out the video: