How To Make Your Own Recycled Paper

Save your old newspapers! Did you know you can recycle them yourself? Here’s how.

What you’ll need:
-Newspaper (of course!)
-Blender
-Framed screen (an old window screen or pantyhose stretched over a re-shaped coat hanger are some ideas)
-Pan or sink (the screen should fit down inside)
-Water
-White glue
-Clothes iron
-Onion skins or food coloring (optional)

1. Shred or tear up the newspaper.
2. Soak the newspaper in very warm water for about half an hour.
3. Put several handfuls of the soaked newspaper into the blender.
4. Blend the newspaper into a fine mush, adding water as needed.
If you are using dye, add it during this stage.
5. Pour 2-4 inches of water into the pan or sink.
6. Stir 2 tablespoons of white glue into the water.
7. Set the screen down into the pan.
7. Pour about a cup of the pulp from the blender and spread it over the submerged screen with your hands. Mix it well on the top of the screen to incorporate the glue-y water.
8. Lift the screen from the water and let it drain. You can set the screen over another tub, pan, or on the other side your sink if you have a double one. You can set the screen outside in the sun to dry.
9. When the pulp is drained well, invert the screen onto a towel (or more newspaper). Just note that, if you used color, it will stain the towel.
10. Pull the screen off the pulp, and place another towel on top, sandwiching the pulp between the towels.
11. With the iron on the hottest setting, go over the top towel and “steam out” the moisture. Then leave it to dry for about 24 hours, making use of the sun if you like.

Once it’s dry, cut it up and use it for note cards, artwork, or other creative uses.

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