From this
to this
We took shreds from the paper shredder
and soaked them for two entire days. Amazingly, they didn’t disintegrate. But they did finally sink to the bottom of the bucket.
Then we used the blender to make what looked most unappetizing. It was so gross looking that Sprite wouldn’t touch it. I admit, I’ve cleaned up such messes when someone was sick. But this was paper pulp, and it wasn’t truly gross. It just looked and felt gross.
If you’ve never made paper before, let me tell you, it’s a MESS. Such a mess that I didn’t even want my camera around. So all the nitty gritty steps are missing here. If you want to make paper, I recommend these few links. The video was especially helpful.
Now we jump to the blotting the water from the back of the wire screen. A finished piece is in the front.
After it dried, it was quite a different color! It’s terribly stiff, and I don’t have a plan for using it. So I’m saving it until we become inspired. It was a worthwhile project if for nothing else than to appreciate the process. I told Sprite that if we had to make all the paper we used, we’d certainly do a lot more conserving! It is a lot of work!
More Posts Like This One:
Hi, I'm Jimmie, and this is my online collage -- a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but mostly homeschooling with a loosely Charlotte Mason style. You're welcome to poke around and leave a comment if you desire. 
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I am fascinated with that sort of thing… but will politely learn about the process in a hands-off fashion. Since I haven’t gotten around to remelting the bits of leftover crayons (which is simple), I doubt I should attempt paper making!
But it is always fun living and learning vicariously through you, Jimmie!
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..Off the record with Crazy Uncle Brother =-.
This is a great green project! I have a book on handmade paper with all the tinting and effects. I have wanted to start it with the kids… still haven’t found the time =( (lame excuse actually). Yes, it is the mess keeps me back, imagine with 3 kiddos in such a small space. LOL!
.-= Maria´s last blog ..Did I do this right? =-.
Fabulous!
My eldest tried to make paper a few weeks ago, but skipped the blender step–I’m guessing that’s why it didn’t stay together and was way too think and bulky. I’ll let her watch the video and she’ll probably give it another try!
I also meant to add that I love the colored flecks yours has! Somehow even amid the blending, it looks like certain papers retained autonomy.
.-= Dell´s last blog ..He Called Her "Baby", and they Danced the Night Away =-.
What a great project! I love the idea of getting the paper from the paper shredder. I’ll have to remember that if/when we ever decide to make paper.
My oldest daughter made paper when she was in home daycare (she and I actually did at home, too, once upon a time…with a kit) and they used the paper to decorate Valentine’s cards that the kids made for their parents. They cut out heart shapes and pasted them on the front of their homemade, construction paper cards.
.-= Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers´s last blog ..Review (and Giveaway!): Teaching Literature in High School =-.
Even though it is really stiff, it makes good art paper. Really expensive art papers are just as stiff and thick which makes it good for watercolor and ink! I made some this past year and used mine for my “tangle” artwork which utilizes black micron ink pens.You just have to be careful to allow for the bumpy textures.
.-= Julie Moses´s last blog ..The Carnivals are in Town! =-.
We made paper last school year. It was one of our most fun projects. I didn’t think of using paper from the shredder. We just ripped it up. We also ripped up a piece of blue construction paper to see how that worked and it looks beautiful in the blender.
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..Student Photo Week =-.
Well, we were going for yellow and orange. And… um… it looked a lot like… well… puke.
Your pictures are beautiful – Sprite looks like she was having fun!
p.s. Thanks so much for your help with my visual-spatial learner question on the SCM forum.
.-= Richele´s last blog ..Maine Moments – Who am I? =-.
Looks like a lot of fun and learning!!
.-= Miss Jocelyn´s last blog ..From Old To New =-.
We did this years ago, but yours turned out much better! And, you’re so right about how less wasteful we’d be if we had to make our own paper! (I think that goes for “if we had to grow our own food”, too!)
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Cliffs of Moher (Final Day in Ireland) =-.
I’m thinking I need to do this again. My youngest hasn’t experienced it yet! If you can bring yourselves to touch it, I know a couple of other activities you can do. Try pressing it into a bowl to make a paper bowl (this one takes practice. You really need something non-porous so the paper won’t stick to it.) and you can also take a handful and shape or mold it like clay. They make interesting paper ornaments.
Thank you for your comment! I was a bit nervous as I was hosting for the first time. I’m glad you liked it!
Peace and Laughter!
.-= Cristina´s last blog ..Home Spun Vignette #5 =-.
I’ve been meaning to make paper with the girls, but just never get around to it. This was one of the most fascinating things I did as a kid, at the science museum during an exhibit on trees and the environment.
Maybe we’ll save up all the bits from the shredder and make some pretty paper for gifts this season. It’s a good lesson in recycling too!
.-= Ruby in Montreal´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.