Introduction: How to Make Paper
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About: I'm a person, into Science, Physics, Weapons, String Theory, Altoids tins, Vacuum Formers, Explosives, Computers and pretty much everything else.
Lots of people think very lowly of paper making. "Its Sissy/Girly/Stupid (WHYDONTYOUJUSTBUYATWOBUCKPADOFPAPERYOUIDIOT), etc. Actually, its a way of saving the planet (cue corny music).
About 40- 50 percent of waste contained in Landfills and dumps all over the world is paper products: Boxes, computer paper, notebook paper, egg cartons, food packaging, etc. All of this can be EASILY and SIMPLY recycled into paper that is almost as good as new.
So why not?
And remember to vote for me in Burning Questions 7!
About 40- 50 percent of waste contained in Landfills and dumps all over the world is paper products: Boxes, computer paper, notebook paper, egg cartons, food packaging, etc. All of this can be EASILY and SIMPLY recycled into paper that is almost as good as new.
So why not?
And remember to vote for me in Burning Questions 7!
Step 1: What You Need
-Paper (howls of amazement). Most, if not all, types of paper work for this, but a few work best. you can use notebook paper, computer paper, newspaper (for a grayish paper), egg cartons, anything really.
- A blender OR a bowl/jar/Bucket/whatever and wooden spoon/spatula. If you use a bowl/jar/whatever, make sure its really big.
-Warm water
-Tray to dry paper in (bendy plastic is nice :D, I'm using the lid from the lid of a plastic Container)
-Sponge/Paper Towels/Towel to soak up water
- A blender OR a bowl/jar/Bucket/whatever and wooden spoon/spatula. If you use a bowl/jar/whatever, make sure its really big.
-Warm water
-Tray to dry paper in (bendy plastic is nice :D, I'm using the lid from the lid of a plastic Container)
-Sponge/Paper Towels/Towel to soak up water
Step 2: Prepare Paper
Rip your paper into small pieces, about an inch long at most. Not much to this step, but make sure you have A LOT.
Step 3: Dumping Time!
Take your mound of paper scraps and....
If using the Bowl and spoon method...
Fill the bowl 3/4 of the way up.
If using a Blender (lucky you)...
Fill the blender about 1/2 of the way up.
Then take your warm water and dump it over the scraps, enough to soak them all the way through and a bit extra.
If using the Bowl and spoon method...
Fill the bowl 3/4 of the way up.
If using a Blender (lucky you)...
Fill the blender about 1/2 of the way up.
Then take your warm water and dump it over the scraps, enough to soak them all the way through and a bit extra.
Step 4: RIP, MASH AND DESTROY!
If Using the Bowl and spoon...
Beat those papers! Stir them, mash them, and slowly grind them to a pulp. There shouldn't be any strips of paper left.
If Using a Blender...
Turn it on and start at a slow speed. Slowly increase the speed until paper pulp is smooth and even and pretty.
Beat those papers! Stir them, mash them, and slowly grind them to a pulp. There shouldn't be any strips of paper left.
If Using a Blender...
Turn it on and start at a slow speed. Slowly increase the speed until paper pulp is smooth and even and pretty.
Step 5: Draining Water
Pour the paper pulp into the tray, preferably over a place that can get wet, i.e. sink. Let the pulp sink for a bit and pour off excess water. Once its possible without spreading the water TOO much, start to suck out water and flatten with the sponge/hand. You may have to repeat this a few times until it's relatively flat and not soaking. Then cover with a towel/ fabric and place heavy books/tools/ jump up and down on it screaming "DEATH TO THE PAPER INDUSTRY!!!!!!" for an hour or two.
Step 6: Tricky Bit
This is where you get the paper OUT of its tray. Hopefully you used a bendy plastic tray like I said. Then, when the paper's dry enough, just pop it out!
You didn't!!! >:[
Then, it its flat/ doesn't have too much of a lip over the edges, you may be able to pick up a corner and drag it off. Or if its non-stick, you may just be able to pick it up.
*Pictures Coming Soon, my paper is drying*
You didn't!!! >:[
Then, it its flat/ doesn't have too much of a lip over the edges, you may be able to pick up a corner and drag it off. Or if its non-stick, you may just be able to pick it up.
*Pictures Coming Soon, my paper is drying*
Step 7: The End
:D
You now have (somewhat) tough, cool, recycled paper! Good for writing, to break the ice at parties, to make into cards, anything really.
*Pictures Coming Soon, my paper is drying*
You now have (somewhat) tough, cool, recycled paper! Good for writing, to break the ice at parties, to make into cards, anything really.
*Pictures Coming Soon, my paper is drying*
Step 8: Tips
If your paper fell apart:
Just the luck of the draw sometimes, sorry. Here's some stuff that helps keep your paper together. Why not throw in the scraps from your failure to the new batch?
Try adding:
-Glue
-Flour
-Starch
-Index Cards (might have to soak separately, as they're harder to get apart)
You can also put tape around the edges to help in getting it out of the tray.
I don't like the color
CRITIC!
Actually, color's one of the easiest things to change. To get different colors, use different scraps. Use printer paper or other white stuff to get white or light gray. Use newspaper for a dark gray, etc. Or, if you're lazy, just throw in a small amount of paint right before molding, just enough to tint the pulp (or a bit more).
I cant write with Pens!
Well, that has two different cures.
1. Use writing paper for scraps, duh.
2. Add a bit of starch to the pulp, to help the ink stay on the surface.
HOW DO I MAKE IT COOLER??
What, normal paper to boring for ya? Spice it up in a few ways:
-Add flowers, beads, colored paper scraps, pictures, or other small things into the pulp right before pouring into the tray or right before pressing down the paper.
-Add Paint, Food Coloring or Dye to color it. You add these to the pulp right before pouring.
-Tin Foil, if it will be used to decorate
-Thread or Yarn
Just the luck of the draw sometimes, sorry. Here's some stuff that helps keep your paper together. Why not throw in the scraps from your failure to the new batch?
Try adding:
-Glue
-Flour
-Starch
-Index Cards (might have to soak separately, as they're harder to get apart)
You can also put tape around the edges to help in getting it out of the tray.
I don't like the color
CRITIC!
Actually, color's one of the easiest things to change. To get different colors, use different scraps. Use printer paper or other white stuff to get white or light gray. Use newspaper for a dark gray, etc. Or, if you're lazy, just throw in a small amount of paint right before molding, just enough to tint the pulp (or a bit more).
I cant write with Pens!
Well, that has two different cures.
1. Use writing paper for scraps, duh.
2. Add a bit of starch to the pulp, to help the ink stay on the surface.
HOW DO I MAKE IT COOLER??
What, normal paper to boring for ya? Spice it up in a few ways:
-Add flowers, beads, colored paper scraps, pictures, or other small things into the pulp right before pouring into the tray or right before pressing down the paper.
-Add Paint, Food Coloring or Dye to color it. You add these to the pulp right before pouring.
-Tin Foil, if it will be used to decorate
-Thread or Yarn