Handmade Paper from Recycled Paper – Easy guide

This Handmade Paper from Recycled Paper – Simple Guide will let you create a beautiful craft paper that you can use in multiple ways. It is a beautiful Eco-friendly project to make with your kids.

I have loved making crafts with my daughter since she was little. Now that she is a teen, spending time together creating art is priceless.

I have always put my used/old paper in the recycling bin. But this year, I wanted to make something different. So we decided to gather as much used paper as possible at home to create some Eco-friendly crafts this summer. This was a great way to reuse papers.

Another thing that we wanted to accomplish with this project was to use as many natural or homemade elements as possible, from the coloring to the glue.

I have to say this was an adventure that we really enjoyed.

What materials do I need to make Homemade Paper

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Kitchen Utensils

• Blender
• Big bowl
• Measuring Cup
• Papermaking Mould Frame

Materials

• 2 cups of Recycled paper cut into small pieces
• Water
• Natural Color

How to make your Handmade paper from recycled paper

With this project, it’s a little challenging to get the exact measurement of the material used, so I will include what I used to make this craft.

Gather your used paper and cut it into small pieces. The smaller the pieces of paper are cut, the easier for the blender to work properly. Add two cups of cut paper into a big bowl. Add 4 cups of water and let it soak for 24 hours. This will make it soft.

Separate the paper into batches. Add the paper mix into the blender and pour enough water for the blender to run smoothly. Add the color and mix well.

Fill a large container halfway with water. It should be big enough to place the frame inside. The mesh on the frame should be on the bottom side. Place the frame into the water and add a few spoons of the paper mix. Spread the paper on the frame. The water will help to have a smooth and even paper.

Pull the frame out of the water and press the paper carefully to get the excess water out. Let the water drain as much as possible.

Carefully pull the paper out of the frame onto the absorbent cloth.

Let the paper dry completely before using it.

Useful Tips

1. Do not use glossy or laminated paper, only use opaque paper.
2. We used Turmeric for yellow and water from boiled beets for red or purple color for color.
3. Cut the paper in small pieces as possible; bigger pieces can get stuck in the blender.
4. Colors will fade a little bit after drying.
5. I made my own glue with flour and water. It takes a little longer to dry but works great!
6. With this mix, I made sixteen 6 x 4-inch handmade paper.

We used natural flowers and leaves to decorate the following handmade paper projects. You can use the press flower method to enjoy your flowers and leaves longer. Here is a way you can make your own Flower Press at home.

Pencil Holder decorated with Handmade Paper

Materials

• Handmade paper
• Glass Jar (I reuse a glass container)
• Ribbons or jute (optional)
• Nature findings
• Glue
• Scissor

How to make the Pencil Holder

1. Add glue to the paper. I made my own glue using flour and water, but you can use multipurpose glue.
2. Glue paper into the jar. I add a couple of rubber bands to keep the paper in its shape while it dries. Decorate your pencil holder with natural findings such as flowers, leaves, and twigs.

Bookmarks made with Handmade Paper

Materials

• Handmade paper
• Scissor
• Glue
• Measuring Ruler
• Cardstock paper
• Hole punch
• Ribbon
• Nature findings

How to make bookmarks with handmade paper

1. Cut the handmade paper with a ruler. Then, cut cardstock paper. I use the ruler width to create my bookmarks.
2. Glue both papers together and let them dry. Open a hole on the top with a hole punch. Decorate your bookmark with natural findings such as flowers, leaves, and twigs.

I really love this project; there are so many things that we can do using these craft papers! I can see myself making our Christmas cards this year. It is a touch of personalization by making the cards ourselves, saving money because I don’t need to buy them, and reusing paper to contribute to our planet with less waste.

If you like this Handmade Paper from Recycled Paper, you can find more Eco-friendly craft ideas “A creative way to make your own Bird Feeder.”