Melissa decided to make paper for her project.
We had been reading a book Marco Polo for Kids that includes lots of great activities, such as weaving a wall hanging, making yogurt and making paper. We had already done some of these activities, and the Science Fair gave me the impetus to try our hand at paper-making.
Paper was first made by the Chinese in the 2nd Century BC. It may seem a little odd to "make" paper using paper, but it is a great way to recycle paper scraps, old lists, even your older sister's old homework!
The steps were really quite easy.
First, Melissa tore up old paper and put it in a large bowl. Our recipe suggested about 3 pieces of torn up paper to make one sheet of "new" paper.
Then, cover the paper scraps with hot water and leave them to soak for 30 minutes.
When the scraps are done soaking, place them in the blender with the water and blend until scraps are completely pulverized.
Place a piece of window screen on a large cookie sheet. Pour the pulverized paper mixture on top of the screen and spread it out to cover. We found it worked best to strain out some of the water.
Melissa collected lots of tiny flowers and leaves from outside and from some old bouquets. This is one of the most fun parts - getting to customize your paper with "add ons." Place a second piece of window screen over the top of your paper.
Next, carefully lift both screens, with the wet paper sandwiched in between to a solid surface covered in towels to absorb excess water.
Use a sponge to press out as much water as you can.
Cover the screen with paper towels.
Now, remove the screen, cover the paper with paper towels again. Cover the paper with a heavy object - we used a large cutting board - and press some more. There is a lot of water to remove!
Carefully remove the paper towels. We were able to set them aside to dry so we could use them again.
Carefully peel the paper away from the screen underneath and set aside to dry. Our paper took almost a full 24 hours to dry. It was so much fun, Melissa made another piece. To color the paper, just use colored paper scraps.The finished product!
5 comments:
very cute paper! great pictorial instructions too.
Wow! That is really beautiful! ONe of my most treasured things for years was a piece of handmade paper from France. I saved it forever. NOw I'm going to try and make my own. Great instructions!
THanks for participating in the Science Fair!
Evie
That came out awesome! I totally loved the flowers! This may be our summer project. Thanks for the inspiration!-K
Jesse and I are inspired to try making paper some time too. I used to love doing this.
Cool! I wanna do that!
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