Let's all Become Paper Makers

The Next time your child needs to send a thank-you card to a special someone or you want to communicate with parents or a friend you spend time with, make your own paper to send your thoughts.

Kids love this especially Grade school age.  It's fun for everyone!.  Gather Paper-think Junk mail, envelopes, ad so on.  this will be recycled and processed into new paper.

Fall is in the air here in NH so give it a natural twist, gather a few items from nature,such as leaves or even grass.  Kids love to use this paper as card,invitations, or artwork, use your imagination and the possibilities are endless.

Materials
old paper
items from nature(dried leaves,grass,flower petals)
blender
water and a large bowl
a piece of window screen(one square foot or larger)
rolling pin (hands work as well)

How to Make Paper
1. Select a variety of colored paper you would like to recycle. Tear several piece into small strips and soak it in a cup or two of water until saturated and mushy.
2. Add a small Portion-just a few select pieces-of grasses,flower petal, and dried leaves to the mixture.
3. Blend the mixture in a blender to create a pulp.
4. Over a sink area with a drain, pour the blended pulp onto the screen so that water drains through, Spread the pulp out so it's not too thick.
5. Press the pulp onto the screen to remove any excess water, using your hands or a rolling pin.
6. Remove the pressed paper from the screen with a spatula.
7. Allow the paper pulp to dry for at least twenty four hours.
8. Once it is dry, use the newly created paper for crafts,letters, invitations, artwork.

Have Fun this is a Great Family Project.