How to: make paper
How to: make paper
By Anna Smallman and Lily McGuire
Published 29 April 2021
Learn how to make your own paper from scratch using a photo frame, a pair of old tights and scrap paper.
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What you need
• Scrap paper
• Water
• Photo frame
• Tights
• Stapler
• Blender
• Tea towel
• Sponge
• Container
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Step 1
Cut a small rectangle from the tights to fit your photo frame.
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Step 2
With a regular stapler, fix the fabric to the frame to create a mould. You’ll need to open the stapler out as the frame will be too thick. The tights need to be pulled taut, but don’t worry if the fabric ladders!
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Step 3
Tear the paper into small pieces.
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Step 4
Add the shredded paper to a jug of water.
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Step 5
Using a handheld blender, blend the mixture until it creates a pulp.
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Step 6
Add the pulp and some extra water into a wide container.
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Step 7
Slip the mould into the paper pulp and pan back and forth to ensure it is evenly spread across the frame. Then slowly lift it out and allow excess water to drain.
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Step 8
Try adding areas of different coloured pulp.
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Step 9
Carefully flip the mould onto a dry tea towel, with the pulp side facing down. With a dry sponge, gently absorb the excess water by sponging across the stretched surface of the mould.
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Step 10
Peel away the mould and leave the pulp to dry.
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Step 11
Once dry, carefully peel the paper away from the tea towel.
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Step 12
Cut away the rough edges if you’d prefer a neat rectangle. Otherwise leave them as they are!
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Admire your work!
Is your paper an artwork in its own right? Or will you write, draw or paint onto it?
Whatever you do, share your creations with us @royalacademyarts on Instagram and @royalacademy on Twitter using the hashtag #FamilyHowTo!
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Families at the RA
Whether it’s a free drop-in workshop or one of our fun and engaging Art Detective trails, the RA is brimming with colourful paintings and sculptures that are waiting to be explored. Everyone is welcome at the RA – and kids under 16 go free to all our exhibitions.
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