Seed Paper
Seed paper is a great way to repurpose old paper and give it new life while also helping the environment. It's a fun and easy project that you can do at home with just a few simple materials.
Materials you'll need:
Recycled paper (newspaper, printer paper, or tissue paper work well)
Blender
Water
Old towels
Dried flowers
Paper Making Moulds
Large bowl or plastic container
Flower seeds (I recommend seeds native to your area and non-gmo)
You can find some of the supplies I used here: Seed Paper Supplies
Step 1: Tear up your paper
Tear your paper into small pieces and place them in a large bowl or container. You can use any type of paper, but avoid using glossy or coated paper as it won't absorb water well.
Step 2: Soak your paper
Pour enough water into the bowl to cover the paper and let it soak for at least an hour or overnight. This will help soften the paper and make it easier to blend.
Step 3: Blend your paper
Drain the water from the bowl and transfer the paper to a blender or food processor. Add enough water to cover the paper and blend until it becomes a smooth pulp.
Step 4: Add seeds
Once the pulp is smooth, add it to the container with a handful of seeds and mix them up.
Step 5: Form your paper
Place a paper making mould into the container with the pulp and spread it out evenly with your hands or a spatula. You can add more seeds on top of the pulp if you like. Close the mould.
Step 6: Press the water out
Place a towel over the wired of the mould and press down gently to remove excess water. Then, carefully lift the screen and place the paper on a towel and let it dry in a warm, well-ventilated area. You can carefully press a few dried flowers on one side of the wet paper at this point. Wait for it to dry.
I like to use my seed paper for notes and cards. If you mail them to your loved ones include a note on how to plant them.
How to plant seed paper
Spring is the optimal time to plant your seed paper. To start, find a spot with slightly compressed soil that is not too hard-packed. Place the seed paper on top of the soil and cover it with about 1/8 inch of soil. Water thoroughly to ensure that the paper is moist and that the soil is well-watered. Keep the soil moist and make sure the seed paper is planted in a sunny location. Within 7-10 days, sprouts should begin to emerge.
Making seed paper is a fun and creative way to reduce waste and help the environment. Give it a try and see what you can create!
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