Paper making in the classroom

You can make paper in your classroom or you can do it at home. Just follow these simple instructions.

You will need the following:

1. scrap paper torn into small pieces (plain unprinted paper or facial tissue). You
   can also add some small pieces of potato peel, carrots or other plants
2. electric blender
3. wooden frame 15 cm by 15 cm. (6 inches by 6 inches)
4. fine mesh screen (recycled old panty hose?) attached tightly to the wooden
   frame by staples
5. dishcloths
6. electric iron
7. liquid starch
8. large basin
   

Directions

1. place the small pieces of paper in a bowl of hot water for a few hours or overnight. (mixture should be one part scraps to five parts water.)
2. place this mixture in the blender and mix until it has the consistency of soft porridge
3. add an equal amount of hot water [for 1 litre of mixture add 1 litre of water]
4. add 30 ml (2 tablespoons) liquid starch and mix together
5. pour the mixture into the basin
6. place the wooden frame with the screen on it into the basin scooping up some of the mixture. Lift the frame carefully, trying to get an even layer of the mixutre on the screen. Keep the frame level so the mixture has the same thickness all across the screen. Let it drain.
7. place a clean cloth over the wooden frame and mixture. Carefully flip the frame over. The mixture should now be on the cloth.
8. place another cloth over the paper mixture and with a hot iron press the paper mixture between the two cloths to dry.
9. when it is dry, gently peel the paper off the cloth. Put it somewhere safe to dry completely.