making paper from plants

[beanpole]

I read something in the paper a few weeks back about someone making wonderful handmade paper using leaves etc. Just wondered if anyone had had a go. As we have a good crop of sweet corn this year, I am sure the leaves would be great for it, but not sure what to do. I think you have to shred them up finely, but then what.

[MaryAnne]

This link (http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/Elizabeth-paper.htm) might be helpful

Also, you can buy inexpensive paper making kits in some arts and crafts stores - Arnold Grummer is a name well known for this.

But the real problem is not just acid free - it's lignin, which naturally occurs in trees (maybe in plants too, I don't know) so although you could make some lovely papers from leaves they MAY not be safe to use with your photos.

I have taken old scraps of cardstock, and made paper from it. If you after you reduce it to pulp you press the pulp into a butter or cookie mold, you can make a paper cast that is very pretty (nothing too detailed, but a bit of detail works fine) and once it dries (a while) you can use it on a card or even in scrapbooking. So long and it's safe paper going IN, the resulting paper item will be safe coming OUT :)

The basic process, from what I remember, is you mix it in a blender, pour it into a tub of some kind, lift it out with a bit of screen mesh, then let it dry. I seem to recall something being added, called "cotton linter" but reading the linked article would probably refresh my memory on that :D

I know at one point they sold dried flowers for scrapbooking. I'm sure THAT would be safe to add. Perhaps soaking the leaves in an acid neutralizing bath (sort of home made Archival Mist) would solve the problem?

Def. more research is needed! :)

[beanpole]

That was quick! Thanks so much for the link. Have downloaded it. Wd be great to know if anyone else has had a go. Sweet corn, here I come...

[CraftyPrincess]

I used to make 'quick' handmade paper in uni that I used to make collages with.
I'd use a sheet of plastic and paint over the surface with some watered down PVA then spread out torn tissue paper on the top. You keep going building up the layers of glue/more paper while mingling in bits of glitter (sweetcorn leaves! :lol:) etc.
When you're done you leave it to dry and then peel it off the plastic. It makes a nice paper with a kind of rice paper feel/texture. Obviously no good for scrapping but fine to use on cards/gift tags etc.

[Wingus]

Sorry, I can't really help you with the paper making, although I know you do have to make sure your "pulp" is quite, well. . . pulpy (!) and you have to use a lot of water. I did visit a paper making factory once where they made all their paper by hand using all sorts of different products (they also had paper making classes). They made paper from beer bottle labels and even kangaroo droppings. I did get some of the latter paper, but not sure whether to use it or not on LOs as I don't know if it's "acid free". :lol: :lol: :lol:

[whytefire]

Very interesting information here... Thank you!