Make Handmade Paper at Home

Fill a dish tub halfway with water. Immerse the pop-up sponge in water to expand, then set aside. Tear uncoated paper into 2-inch pieces. You can also include plant fibers like onion skins or grasses. Fill a blender 2/3 full with water and 1/3 with paper scraps. Blend to your desired texture. Pre-soaking helps soften fibers for smoother blending.

Pour 3-5 blender batches of pulp into the tub and stir. For thicker paper, use more pulp; for thinner paper, add water.

Position the mould face-up and place the deckle (frame without screen) on top. Submerge the mould and deckle to the bottom of the tub, then lift slowly to the surface. Allow it to float while adding floral inclusions or decorative elements like ribbon or leaves. Press lightly into the pulp.

Lift the mould and deckle from the water and tilt gently to drain excess water. Remove the deckle. Flip the mould upside down onto a couching cloth in one smooth motion to transfer the paper.

Use the sponge to press the back of the screen, removing excess water. Wring out and repeat as needed. Carefully peel the mould away from the wet paper.

Lay flat to dry or hang using clips on a line. Once fully dry, gently peel the paper off the couching cloth.