How to Make Paper, Part 1

Making paper can be an enriching, creative hobby for anyone interested in creating their own paper. It’s easy enough for almost anyone to do, and provides a fun activity to use in teaching children about where paper comes from.

Homemade paper makes a very personal, unique addition to your stationary–as well as a beautiful gift. Since it’s acid-free, it’s also great for people who like to do scrapbooking. Results are also typically of high quality, perfect for elegant invitations, thank you cards and announcements.

Making your own paper is also a great way to reduce waste through recycling. Handmade paper is very eco-friendly, and requires 50% less energy than commercially produced, non-recycled paper. You can make your own paper out of a variety of paper wastes that you already have on hand, such as discarded newspapers, files, and homework assignments.

To make your own paper, you’ll need a preparation frame. You can easily make your own, or purchase one from a craft or hobby store.

To make your own, get a window or other fiberglass screen and stretch it over a wooden frame. An old photo or art frame will work, but feel free to create your own out of scrap wood if you prefer. Staple the screen to the frame to secure it as tightly as you can.

The size can vary; it should be as big as the size of paper you want to make. You may wish to measure some paper–notebook paper, for example, or the size of printer paper you prefer–first and then create your frame based on that. After you are comfortable making paper, you may even wish to make a few different sizes for different paper projects.