Getting started with making paper

Introduction

In this introduction I will try to provide a method that will get you started with almost no equipment.

Considerations

Start small

The golden rule I had to learn which has also helped me to continue. Honestly, don't expect much at the start. Be surprised with whatever you create. It is all a learning experience. My first paper I tried to dry on baking paper, resting on a board. Needless to say it never dried and fell apart.

Learn from failure

Some of my biggest achievements were as a result of previous iterations of complete failures.

Understand what you can achieve in a day

I am still trying to learn. Trust me you don't want a vat of pulp waiting to rot on a Sunday evening.

Trust the process

I always tell people. Papermaking is a lesson in patience.

Materials & equipment

I have outlined some materials which you could find around the home. What is important if you don't have a blender or beater (please don't buy them yet!) is to look for materials that have some sort of fibre.

I have tried a few types of materials. One note of caution is that if you do decide to try use newspaper, I would suggest to try and mix it with something like cut grass that has been dried or some other fibrous material. As on it's own it does not tend to do so well. Saying this I have been able to produce quite beautiful paper with cardboard, newspaper and found sewing thread scraps.

The following are some suggestions for you to look for:

Found/recycled fibre material
Hemp (or similar)
Container to hold water

To make life easier (possibly optional)

Bamboo mats
Mallet

The next few items are all optional

Lace curtain (for texture/inclusions?)
Blender
Cement mixer (for pulping larger batches?)
Self-made vat/bath
Mould and deckle
Self-made press
Drying racks

Step 1 — Sourcing and preparing raw material

So this is often the hardest step and also the most daunting if you are alone. When I started I had no idea what I was doing.

Some of the traditional ways of paper making involve cooking plant material, often the bark of plants, and then beating it to a pulp over a couple days. When I was in Nepal I spent a few days beating plant fibres to pulp and it was hard work.

In the video below they show some of the details of how traditional Gampi paper is made.

In the next video, we spent the day harvesting roots from the pool, which were later dried.

Of course this is possible without a beater. But it does make it easier. I am big philanthropist about not buying new. Before buying a new beater, please consider asking a friend to lend one, or looking at your nearest hospice or charity shop. There are so many lying around, waiting to be used.

Some tips for breaking down fibres naturally:

Let it soak in water first.
Once soaked let it lie in the direct sun for a couple of days.
Bicarbonate of soda when soaking or boiling helps break it down.
You can cook the material in a pot with bicarb for a couple of hours. But this take a lot of energy. Consider a building or looking for a rocket stove.

Step 2 — Breaking down the material

These are some tips for when using a blender:

Always have enough water compared to material. You don't want to burn out your motor.
Start by pulsing the beater, before letting it run.
Fabrics or threads do not break down and get tangled in the blade.
Watch out for staples or other foreign objects.

You generally only need less than a minute of beating before continuing.

Step 3 — Creating paper on hemp

Here I will outline the process for creating paper on hemp without a press.

Lay the hemp on a table which can withstand water.
Ensure your vat (the container with the pulp) has enough water. The consistency should not be like porridge. But rather you should be able to put your hand in and shake it around easily. Only with some pulp sticking as you exit your hand.
If you live in a cold area. Add some warm water to the vat. 🤟
Pour the mixture slowly in sections onto the hemp.
With the bamboo matts or with some cloth, press down lightly onto the hemp and flatten it.
If the mixture sticks to your cloth. Pour some water on top of the cloth with the pulp inbetween.
Continue the process of adding and flattening. Working slowly and consistently.
Once you are happy with your achievements. Slant the table so that the water can drain. But not too much as the pulp will slide. Don't worry about the hemp falling off. The water acts as a glue to the table.
Once dry enough. Carefully lift the hemp and hang it on a line.
This last part is particularly difficult as the paper is at its most vulnerable. If it tears you can patch it with the same process above.
Once it has dried over a day. You can then peel the paper from the hemp.