Recycled paper is made from an ancient technique, so it can be made at home to give a second life to the paper already used. It is a great idea to contribute to the environment by reusing materials and having fun during the process.
Artisanal recycled paper can be used in endless crafts to reduce environmental impact. Remember that paper is made from the cellulose of trees.
Can any type of paper be recycled?
Many people believe that it is possible to recycle all kinds of paper, but unfortunately this is not true. What is recycled is the cellulose of which it is composed. However, not all papers have the same concentration of this material.
Among the papers that can be recycled are the following:
- Cardboard.
- Magazines.
- Newspapers.
- Photocopies.
- Advertising brochures.
Among the papers that cannot be recycled are the following:
- Hygienic.
- Photographic.
- Fax.
- Blackboard.
Materials for making recycled paper
Recycled paper can be made from the comfort of home and without requiring foreign materials. This activity is perfect to collaborate with the little ones of the house, since they are being instilled with the care of the environment.
These are the materials you need to make recycled paper:
- Sponges.
- Hot water.
- Thin mesh.
- Spray bottle.
- Blender or processor.
- Paper suitable for recycling.
- Photo frames.
- Pieces of sheet or thin cloth.
- Manual press or some weight to squeeze the paper.
- Deep container in which the frames fit horizontally.
How to make recycled paper at home?
The process of making recycled paper has been practiced for thousands of years thanks to its ease. However, although it is a simple task, certain recommendations must be followed so that the final product is of quality.
1. Buy or manufacture a frame
The first step to making recycled paper is to make or buy two frames the size we want the sheets. Once you have them, place one on the work table and cover it with a piece of mesh of the same size. You must make sure that it is well stretched to be able to fix it.
Once the mesh is fixed, carefully trim the surplus and that’s it. The mold in which we will make the recycled paper is finished. To the other remaining frame you should not add the mesh, as it will serve as a cover.
Before the next step you can trim the sheet or piece of thin fabric. Make it the same size as the frames to save time.
2. Make paper pulp
To create the paper pulp from scratch, first cut the paper you are going to recycle into small pieces so that they dissolve more quickly. Next, in a large container add all the paper and cover it completely with hot water.
The next day, blend or process the entire mixture until you get a homogeneous consistency free of lumps. You can also perform this process with the help of a mortar.
3. From pulp to recycled paper
Once we have the paper pulp free of lumps, it is time to pass it to the frame to start forming the leaves. Spread the pulp on the frame with the mesh and give it the thickness and size you want. Now pass a sponge over the entire surface to carefully remove excess moisture.
The next step is to cover the frame that has the mesh and pulp with the thin sheet that we moistened previously and put on top the other frame that we had free. Shake both frames gently and ensure that the pulp is evenly distributed. Finally, let it drain for a few minutes and remove the frame.
4. Release the pulp
When you have the pulp in the frame, with the mesh of the size you want, it is time to remove it with great care. Place the mold on the damp sheet, so that the pulp is in direct contact with the piece of cloth. Now, with a little pressure, transfer the new sheet of paper to the piece of sheet.
Finish removing the possible traces of moisture with the help of a sponge and put another piece of cloth on the sheet of recycled paper. In order not to wrinkle or lose its shape as it dries, put on it a stack of books or some heavy object. You can also help yourself with a press.
5. Latest details
When both the sheet and paper are completely dry, you can peel them off to discover the new sheet you created from scratch. You’ll notice that the paper is a bit wavy, so you can put it inside a book to flatten it. Trim the edges if necessary.
3 ideas to make with recycled paper
There are many crafts and crafts that we can make from recycled paper. It’s just a matter of letting your imagination fly and creating unique pieces that serve us in the future.
1. Sketchbooks with recycled paper
One of the activities that children enjoy the most is drawing. This didactic exercise not only stimulates their creativity, but also amuses them while they learn.
If your children helped in the elaboration of recycled paper, you can make this craft so that later they capture all their colorful ideas on paper.
To make the sketchbook, make sure you make the necessary sheets of recycled paper. Once you have all ready, use a piece of cardboard for the lids.
2. Photo frame with recycled paper
If you have a boring frame that needs a renovation, this idea is perfect to put into practice. It’s one of the easiest crafts, so even kids can participate. You just have to cut strips of recycled paper and roll them up to form small circles of different sizes.
Stick them to the portrait frame in no specific order. Play with the different sizes and try not to leave any space uncovered.
If you want to take this project a step further, when making recycled paper you can dye it with different shades to make the finish more vibrant and striking.
3. Recycled paper lamps
This paper lamp is very easy to make and has a unique style that will surprise all your guests. To make it you must make fans of the same size with the sheets of paper. Folding them back and forth until the typical fan shape is formed.
In each of the folds you have to make a hole in one of its ends, so that later you can pass a rope through these holes. Once you have all the sheets of paper folded, it is time to join them with each other with the help of white glue.
Finally, when all the fans are joined, pass a rope through each of the upper holes and pull the rope to close the top. You will have formed a classic cap. Now, you just have to secure the cap on a saving bulb, so that it does not get so hot.
Dare to make recycled paper at home
When we give paper a second chance to use, we are helping to take care of the environment. In addition, it is a great idea to make the imagination fly and create various crafts while saving money.
So now that you know how easy it is, go ahead and put it into practice. Get inspired by these ideas.
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