Make Recycled Paper

For this activity, you’ll need:

• Scrap paper
• A screen (approximately 10” x 10”), with the edges taped over to prevent wounds (duct tape works best)
• Large bowl or plastic container for water
• Blender or food processor
• Old towels
• Rolling pin

1. Tear scrap paper into small pieces and soak in hot water for half an hour.
2. Take a handful of the soaked paper, put into a blender or food processor, and add water until the blender or bowl of the food processor is half-full. Blend until you no longer see pieces of paper.
3. Pour the mixture over the screen, using the basin to catch the water.
4. Shake the screen back and forth to get an even layer of fibers on the screen. It may be necessary to lower the screen into the water in the basin to even out the paper.
5. Carefully lift the screen out of the water.
6. Lay the screen between some old towels and roll with a rolling pin to get the fibers flat and even.
7. Let your paper dry for at least an hour.
8. Gently remove the paper from the screen by turning the screen upside down and peeling the paper away from the edges.