Recycling 
Kids/Teachers
Activities, Games and Research for Kids
and Teachers
Make Your Own Paper
Follow this easy recipe to make new recycled paper.
Note: Some construction is required, ask a parent or teacher to help out.
Simple Recipe:
Paper that can be used:
- Computer paper (unprinted)
- Newspaper
- Magazines
- Egg cartons
- Old cards
- Paper bags
- Non-waxed boxes (pre-soak in warm water)
- Office paper
- Tissue paper
- Napkins
- Construction paper
Materials:
- Sponge
- Window screening (for mold)
- Wood frame (A picture frame works well)
- Plastic basin/tub (large enough to emerse entire frame in tub)
- Blender/food processor
- White felt
- Staples or tacks
Instructions:
1. Select the type of paper you want to use to make new paper. Don't be afraid to mix different types of paper together.
2. Tear the paper into small pieces, and put into the blender. (until half full). Fill the blender the rest of the way with warm water. Run the blender slowly at first then increase the speed until the pulp looks well blended. (30 -40 seconds) If there are flakes of paper remaining, blend longer.
3. Next, make a mold. Don't worry its really simple to make a mold. The mold, in this case, is made simply by stretching fiberglass screen (plain old door and window screen) over a wooden frame and stapling it. Make the frame 5" x 6". It should be as tight as possible.
4. Fill the basin about half way with water. Add 3 blender loads of pulp. (The more pulp you add the thicker the finished paper will be) Stir the mixture.
5. Place the mold into the pulp and then level it out while it is submerged. Gently wiggle it side-to-side until the pulp on top of the screen looks even.
6. Slowly lift the mold up until it is above the level of the water. Wait until most of the water has drained from the new paper sheet. If the paper is very thick, remove some pulp from the tub. If it is too thin, add more pulp and stir the mixture again.
7. When the mold stops dripping, gently place one edge on the side of a fabric square (felt or flannel square). Gently ease the mold down flat, with the paper directly on the fabric. Use a sponge to press out as much water as possible. Wring the excess water from the sponge back into the large plastic tub.
8. Now comes the tricky part. Hold the fabric square flat and slowly lift the edge of the mold. The wet sheet of paper should remain on the fabric. If it sticks to the mold, you may have pulled to fast or not pressed out enough water. It takes a little practice. You can gently press out any bubbles and loose edges at this point.
9. Repeat the steps above, and stack the fabric squares on a cookie sheet. Save one fabric square to place on the top of the stack to cover the last piece of paper. Use another cookie sheet to press the remaining water out of the stack. (do this outside or in the bathtub, it can make a mess)
10. After you press the stack, gently separate the sheets. They can be dried by hanging on a clothesline or laying them out on sheets of newspaper. When they have dried peel them off the fabric and voila! you have paper!
