How to Make Homemade Paper with Flowers, Herbs, and Seeds

Materials

• Hot water
• Blender or food processor (a hand blender also works)
• Fresh or dried flower petals and herb leaves (see list below)
• Cotton towels or dishcloths
• Rolling pin

Method

1. Place in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let it sit for at least 3-4 hours until the paper is soft and mushy. Stir well.
2. Pour the wet paper into blender or food processor and process until the mixture becomes smooth and pulpy, with no paper pieces remaining.
3. Pour pulp into a bowl and gently stir in your flower petals and leaves. If you are making “plantable” paper, you may also stir in flower and herb seeds.
4. Strain mixture into a clean bowl and squeeze out most of the excess water. You should be left with a wet, spongy pulp.
5. Lay a piece of parchment paper down on a flat surface and spread the pulp evenly on top. Cover with another piece of parchment paper and gently roll with a rolling pin until the paper is thin and even.
6. Leave your paper to partially dry on the parchment paper and then carefully transfer towel to dry the rest of the way.
7. Create simple designs and patterns with your petals. Turn your paper occasionally as it dries. This can take a few days. Once completely dry, trim paper to any size or shape you like.
8. For best results, allow your paper to dry slowly and naturally.
9. Avoid direct heat, which can cause curling or uneven drying.
10. Turn your paper every few hours to help it dry evenly.
11. To flatten sheets of dried paper, place them between clean towels or parchment paper and weigh down with a few heavy books for a few hours or overnight.
12. Use it in collage, watercolor, or naturalink projects.
13. You can also paint it with turmeric ink and place your paper in the sun to create fun eco-friendly sun prints.
14. If you like to make plantable paper, simply add flower or herb seeds after blending the pulp.