New Event: Pulp Pages
Dive into the world of papermaking through a hands-on process using repurposed materials!
This summer we’ve got a new event! We’re making paper, but with an environmentally-friendly twist! We’re using recycled paper! Junk mail, scrap paper, pieces from leftover art projects– material that would have ended up in the trash can or recycling bin.
We’ve been wanting to do a paper making event for YEARS, but we struggled with the logistics. We asked ourselves- how can we tweak the paper making process to fit into the hustle and bustle of an event? Learn about how we brought this classic art-making skill to the public!
Typically, homemade paper making is done by dipping equipment called a deckle and mold into a basin of paper pulp. However, it can be quite messy and wouldn’t lend itself well to an event environment.
Another popular way of making paper is with tin cans. In this process, a screen is placed between two tin cans and paper is poured into the can. This process is kid friendly, but we can be a little limited in artistic choice, and we always strive to find event themes that encourage experimentation and creativity.
We landed on something that combined these two methods, using a homemade mold (a picture frame with window screen attached to it), cookie cutters, and a large bowl. The mold is placed on top of the bowl to catch any water squeezed out and the cookie cutters act kinda like a deckle. The mess is contained and participants have the opportunity to experiment with shapes!
As we began to prototype, we ran into another issue- how would we create the pulp? Homemade paper pulp usually involves a blender, something that would be difficult to pull off in an outdoor event without access to electricity. And since the pulp involves water, prepping larger batches ahead of time would mean they could get moldy.
First, we tried creating pulp, drying it out, and then mixing the resulting bits of pulp with water, but the paper just ended up too chunky.
That’s where the idea of our paper fluff was born! Instead of trying to rehydrate the larger bits, we added them back to the blender and went to town. The fluffy result broke down beautifully in water.
In order to maximize creative choice for the event, we also offer multiple colors, so participants can choose the shape and experiment with different color combinations. We also offer dried flowers and native wildflower seeds from Prairie Moon Nursery that can be added. Paper with seeds can even be planted at home!
Join us for Pulp Pages this summer EXCLUSIVELY at Great River Regional Library
July 30- Waite Park Library
August 1- Clearwater Library
August 12- Pierz Library
August 15- Elk River Library
August 20- Lion’s Park in Foley
August 29- Sauk Center Festival
Check out our calendar for all the details!
Interested in making some recycled paper pulp at home yourself?
Follow these steps:
Find some junk mail or scrap paper
Note- if there’s a lot of ink or color on the paper, it will change the final color
You can also use cardboard, dryer lint, and with proper preparation even things like plants and fabric can be turned into paper pulp
Tear or cut the paper up into small pieces
Soak the paper pieces in water for a few hours (up to overnight)
This step can be skipped if needed, but your final paper pieces won’t be as smooth
Add your soaked paper and plenty of water to a blender
Start with a smaller amount of soaked paper to see how your blender handles it
Don’t worry about using too much water, it’ll be removed later
Blend until smooth– you’ve now got paper pulp!
Use your preferred method to turn that pulp into PAPER!