Make your own paper

I have always wanted to try and make my own paper so when I saw a paper making kit at a local shop recently of course I couldn't resist.

The kit included:

• a plastic tray
• two sheets of plastic mesh
• some paper
• instructions

In addition I used:

• newspaper
• tea towels
• water bottle
• warm water
• oven tray

It was useful having the kit as I am a total beginner when it comes to making paper. However, it was remarkably easy and you could source your own plastic tray and mesh from other stores such as a $2 shop.

Step 1: Tear up pieces of scrap paper into 2cm squares.

Step 2: Fill 2/3 water bottle with warm water and paper bits. Leave 24 hours to soak.

Step 3: Shake bottle vigorously until mixture resembles porridge.

Step 4: Prepare oven tray, plastic tray and mesh sheets. Pour contents of water bottle into oven tray. Add some more water.

Step 5: Dip plastic tray and one layer of plastic mesh into the paper porridge mixture.

Step 6: Put second layer of plastic mesh over the top of the plastic tray. Squeeze out excess water.

Step 7: Carefully lift or tip paper onto tea towel. Use sponge to remove excess water.

Step 8: Remove plastic mesh and leave paper in between layers of tea towels and newspaper to dry for at least 12 hours.

Step 9: Remove from tea towels and leave to dry some more in open air. Once dry it is ready to make into a book, poster or cut up and decorate a card.