As paper crafters, we manipulate paper in a number of ways and craft an endless variety of paper crafts. We cut paper, we fold it, we stamp it, we emboss it, we preserve it in albums, and at times, we hoard it in our stash. But, do you know how to make paper? I know that the concept of paper making sounds like an involved process, but it’s easier than it sounds.

You don’t have to source out trees to make paper because you can actually up-cycle paper you already have on-hand such as construction paper, newspaper, junk mail, and even old receipts. With different kinds of paper, you can create varying textures of handmade paper. As far as tools go, you may already have everything you need on-hand because all you really need is a blender and a mesh screen (think splatter guard, mesh strainer) of some sort to get started. As you develop your paper making skills, you may want to upgrade and build screens (deckles) in various sizes which can be made out of old picture frames and embroidery hoops. If you are like me, then you probably have both of these items on-hand and would only need to invest in the screen.

So, once you have made your own paper, you may be wondering how to use it in your paper craft ideas. Try making custom color handmade paper to use on your scrapbook or journal pages. Create beautiful envelopes for notes or gift cards. Handmade paper is perfect for creating one of a kind embellishments for your projects. I think one of my favorite ideas is to use rubber stamps to make paper casts — such a fun technique and an unexpected way to use your stamps!

Are you inspired to make your own paper now? Start with one of the tutorials below, and you will be adding paper making to your craft resume in no time!

How to Make Paper

Easy Handmade Paper: This technique is truly easy and you already have everything you need on-hand.

Make Paper From Recycled Materials: Go raid your recycling bin for last week’s newspapers because you’re about to turn them into something pretty great!

Lavender and Grass Paper: Adding lavender and grass to your handmade paper creates beautiful textures and colors.

Beautiful Handmade Paper: This tutorial will show you how to create paper elegant enough to be used on place cards and wedding invitations.

Make Paper From Lint: Some of the earliest paper which was first created in China was made from the matted fibers of rags, using lint (yes lint from your dryer!) you too can create paper made of the remnants of fabric.

Embellished Homemade Paper: Many items can be added to your paper as you create it to give it texture and color. Try using herbs or flower petals for a natural look.

Seed Paper & Plantable Paper: Seed paper is such a fun, eco-friendly project and would make the perfect gift for the gardener in your life.

Handmade Paper Shapes: Creating shapes during the process of making your paper gives you a finished product which can be used as embellishments, tags, or ornaments.

My favorite kind of paper is scrapbook paper, what’s yours?

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Martha Bonneau

I live with my husband, 7 and 4 year old daughters, and a pug named Pixie in Crystal Lake, Illinois which is in the ‘burbs NW of Chicago.
I started scrapping in 2006 and was quickly addicted!I was an avid scrapper until late summer of 2010 when we started our adoption journey, at that point I was overwhelmed with paperwork (and emotions!) and I had to put something on the back burner in my life but I knew I would eventually come back to it.
We welcomed our daughter home from China in December of 2011 and a few months later I found my groove again and pulled out all of those supplies that had been tucked away.
I started out scrapping again doing traditional layouts, but at the beginning of this year I jumped into Project Life and I love it!
When I’m not scrapping I am usually spending time with our daughters which means library time, going on walks, thrifting (they love it as much as I do!) or watching Kung Fu Panda for the millionth time.I also have an Etsy shop Panda Eight Designs where I sell scrapbooking flair that I design.