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Learn how to make paper

Thomas Penruddocke with an example of his recycled paper.

Recycle used paper with these instructions from 13-year-old Saltus Grammar School student Thomas Penruddocke.What do I need to make paper?· Shredded used paper· Blender· Water· Big container· Mold and deckle· Glue and gelatine· Paper press· Felt· Blotting paper (white)· Dry box with fanAfter shredding the used paper put it into a blender and add a bit of water so it gets damp. When the shredded paper has completely turned into a sort of white and grey colour (pulp) pour it into the container and add water just enough not to be thick and not too liquid.Keep repeating blending paper till you have enough pulp, but it depends how thick you want the paper to turn out to be.Before you make the paper, insert one bag of gelatin and some drops of glue. Once you have your pulp ready, start using your mold and deckle to make the paper.Dip them into the container with the pulp and move it around. Lift it out and let it drip off, get a piece of felt and transfer it on to it. You can keep on making paper until you run out of pulp in the container.Next, once you have your stack of paper in between felt, the paper goes into the paper press, or if you don't have a paper press you can get two wooden boards a little bigger than the produced paper. Lay your paper in between the wooden boards have them pressed with large paint buckets filled with water.This may take longer, so it is important to leave it over night. When the paper has been pressed, load them into the drying box. Between the newly made paper, lay white blotting paper and cardboard.The drying box is a simple thing to build. I made it with five wooden boards and a small fan. The paper stays in the drying box until it is completely dry.Making recycled paper is not difficult and it is very rewarding since we are saving trees from being cut down!

Thomas shows how to make recycled paper.