Recycled Paper

Celebrate Earth Day this year by recycling! Learn how to make homemade paper with recycled newspapers and construction paper!

recycled construction paper
recycled newspaper
blender
water
black marker
flat strainer screen
wax paper
star-shaped cookie cutter
plastic bin

REMEMBER THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS WORK UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION. SOMETIMES WE USE THINGS THAT CAN BE HARMFUL, LIKE SCISSORS, SO DON'T EVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE THESE CRAFT PROJECTS ALONE.

1. Fill a blender halfway with water. Add shredder paper to the water to create a pulp. Add more water to top it off, and add more paper.
2. Before you proceed, make sure you have an adult around to help you use the blender. Place the lid on the blender and pulse it to create your pulp.
3. Pour the pulp into a screen over a plastic bin. The shape of the screen will dictate the shape of your paper.
4. Squeeze the excess water out of the screen with your hand. You can also use a sponge. Keep pressing until you have a flat, uniform surface.
5. Now it’s time to decorate your paper! Place shredded purple construction paper in your blender. Add enough water to cover the paper and blend on pulse to create another pulp.
6. Put your cookie cutter stencil into your screen on your paper. Carefully pour your purple mixture into the stencil. Leave the stencil on the paper until all the water is drained through.
7. Carefully remove the stencil. Press out more water, using your sponge.
8. Set your paper aside to dry for a few hours. Before it’s completely dry, remove it from the screen and place it on a sheet of wax paper.
9. Let your paper dry overnight. If it dries a little curled, you can always iron it. Write your Earth Day message onto your recycled paper using marker.