When I was checking the list of items that can be put into my recycle bin for pick-up, I was surprised to see that shredded paper was not included. “Shredded paper goes in with the garbage, not blue bag” is the information on the collection schedule. That’s because it cannot be sorted into different grades of paper.
I know how important it is to shred certain letters, documents and receipts but I feel bad tossing the remains in with the trash.
Here’s a way to put some of that paper to good use by making it back into usable sheets. Because it is already shredded, a few steps in the usual process of paper making can be eliminated.
To make this plain paper into something more attractive, you can add leaves, petals and seeds. Just make sure anything you add is covered by the paper pulp so it doesn’t fall off when the paper dries.
Before you start, check out the fascinating and very long history of paper making and learn about the influences from the Egyptian and Chinese cultures. Did you know that paper was made by hand until the 19th century when it was finally made by machine?
Supplies:
Note that there are no measured amounts in the directions. It all depends on how much shredded paper you are using.
- Old picture frame
- Screen material (the kind you have in your doors or windows)
- Stapler
- Basin that is large enough for the frame to be lifted in and out of
- Blender (optional)
- Shredded paper
- Water
- Corn Starch (Just a few tablespoons)
- Towels, sponges
- Seeds, petals, leaves
Directions:
- Place you piece of screen material over the open part of the picture frame. Staple it all around so the screen is tight and very flat. This will be your drying rack.
- Put the shredded paper into the basin and add water. Let it soak over night to turn it into a pulpy mush. If you want finer paper, you can put the pulp through a blender. Add enough water to make it very soupy.
- Add the corn starch which will give it some extra binding and keep the ink from bleeding if you plan to do some writing on it.
- When you are ready to start making the paper, dip the frame into the watery pulp mixture and scoop it up on the screen. Make sure you have picked up enough pulp so the sheet of paper will have no holes. Just continue dipping until you’ve picked up enough pulp to make the size of sheet you want. Now is the time to add any petals, seeds or leaves.
- Let most of the moisture drip off into the basin. You can assist this process by gently pressing the pulp with a sponge or towel.
- Leave it to dry on the screen frame or turn it over on a non sticking surface like wax or parchment paper. It will break apart easily when it is in the wet stage but it can be repaired by just pushing it back together into the shape you want.
Once it is dry, you will have a sturdy piece of paper.
Making paper is so much more rewarding than throwing the shredded paper into the garbage. Play with the pulp by making shapes with cookie cutters and dying it with food colouring.
[Photograph by Linda Dunbar. Reproduction prohibited]
