As a kid, I always wanted to make crafts of all sorts during my summer vacation. One summer my mom gave me the chance to make my own paper by recycling our junk mail and old school papers. I loved pulping the old paper in the blender and watching this mushy pile become solid, usable paper. Plus, it was fun to actually see how old paper became new paper.
Making “homemade” paper is a fun and new way to recycle old paper. Kids love to do it, and it creates unique stationery to send to friends and family or note paper for to-do lists and reminders. Plus, you know for a fact that the paper you’re using is recycled.
There are several instructions on how to make your own paper. Test out different colors and types of paper and see what you can come up with! Here are a few directions I’ve found that are both adult and kid friendly:
- http://www.msichicago.org/online-science/activities/activity-detail/activities/make-recycled-paper/
- http://paperretriever.com/default/ActivitiesforStudents/Make%20Your%20Own%20Recycled%20Paper.pdf
- http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/recyclingpaper.html
Enjoy your homemade paper!
Leeann
