Making paper

Why leave recycling to the professionals, when you can do it in the comfort of your own home??? Just kidding, you probably should leave it to the pros for the most part, but for an interesting diversion you can whip some up in under an hour.

I would say the part of this process that held me back the most was the making of the screen. Most tutorials you find online will tell you to build a little frame, but don't bother with that... you can easily find empty frames galore at thrift stores around town. You can find some screen at Home Depot or keep your eye out for some old battered window screen someone tossed out on Bulky Collection and use that. Cut to fit and then staple it onto your frame.

Now, go soak the paper you wish to use until it's thoroughly soggy. You can use some interesting colors and textures, if you wish.

Now, fill your blender halfway up with water. Add the soggy paper and whizz away. At the very end, you can add any other interesting accoutrements you think might spice up your paper. We added some mint and our paper really did smell delicious.

Now take your pulp and pour it over your screen, over a container so the water doesn't go everywhere, and press gently until most of the water has squished through. Then gently peel your paper off the screen and put it in the sun on an absorbent towel to dry.

Voila!