Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make recycled paper using things you probably have lying around the house. This is how I started making paper at Terra Tag and with time, you can build upon these basic skills to create the most beautiful objects, like stationary or artwork. Hey, you might even start yourself a little side hustle!

Whether you’re a parent looking for an activity with the kids, a fellow paper enthusiast, or a creative soul seeking a new pastime, I hope that you find learning the ancient craft of papermaking rewarding.

Let’s get into it.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

First things first, you need to gather a few things. The beauty of eco-friendly papermaking is its simplicity and the use of readily available materials. Don’t buy anything new. Instead, head to a second-hand shop for anything that you don’t have on hand.

• A Kitchen Blender: Grab one from a second-hand shop (don’t use the one for your morning smoothies). This transforms paper scraps into pulp magic.

• A scoop, strainer & bucket: For separating the pulp and water after blending. And for scooping pulp from the bucket into the vat (cut off the top of a milk container for a perfect scooper)!

• Mould & Deckle: Essentially a screen attached to a frame. Make a cheap and dirty one here or buy one from our top pick Papergoround.

• A Plastic Storage Tub or Vat: This is our workspace and where, with a mix of water and pulp, you’ll dip the mould and deckle to form sheets. It needs to be larger than your mould and deckle so you have room to dip and at least 15 cm deep.

• Absorbent Materials: Old towels, sheets, wool blankets, or Viveda Cloths. These help in the couching and drying process. Note: the texture of the cloth surface transfers to the paper, which can produce beautiful results!

• A big sponge: For soaking up water once you’ve pulled a sheet.

• A rolling pin: To flatten the newly formed sheet, remove any air bubbles and create a firm sheet.

💡 Expert Tip: Choose a strong paper. Drawing, watercolour and printmaking papers are ideal, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of paper and color combinations. You really can’t go wrong!

💡 Expert Tip: Soaking time varies based on the type of paper you're using. Thicker papers like cardstock might need a longer soak, while thinner paper is ready within an hour. The goal here is to allow the fibres to absorb some water.

💡 Expert Tip: You don’t need to squeeze the pulp in the strainer. Just drain off the majority of water.

💡 Expert Tip: As you pull sheets of paper, you must add back in more pulp to the vat. Remember, the ratio of pulp to water dictates the thickness of your paper.

💡 Expert Tip: Don’t be ‘too shy’ with the sponge pressure. You want to get as much water out of the sheet as possible.

💡 Expert Tip: Drying times can vary greatly depending on the method and the thickness of your paper. Patience is key!

And there you have it – your very own handmade, recycled paper! Remember, each piece of paper you make is unique (like you), and can be infused with your own creativity. Start experimenting.

Happy papermaking!