ARTISTS' BOOKS
BOUND IN ART

Educational Resources

Activity 2 – Papermaking

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Handmade paper is an important feature of many artists' books. Students can make their own paper using the materials listed here and by following the instructions below:

Materials:
Recycled paper
Blender
Metal window screen
Rolling pin
Wool felt (larger than the screen)
Basin or large container (larger than the screen)
Water

1. Cut paper into small pieces.
2. Pour 1 cup of paper and 3 cups of water into a blender and blend for 5 minutes.
3. Place the screen in the basin or large container of water.
4. Add the pulp and swirl it around.
5. Lift the screen out of the water and make sure the pulp is evenly distributed on the screen.
6. Allow the pulp on the screen to drip.
7. Cover the pulp with a large piece of wool felt.
8. Turn the screen over to remove the pulp.
9. Place another piece of felt on top of the pulp so that it is in between two layers of felt.
10. Roll the rolling pin over the felt, allowing it to absorb excess water.
11. Remove the top layer of felt.
12. Gently remove the paper from the bottom felt.
13. Place the paper somewhere safe where it can dry for 3 to 5 hours.

NOTE: Please see the Activity Resources section for more resources on papermaking.

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