Paper making at home is fun and easy. You will need water, fiber and a handmold. Get water from your sink. Wastepaper will provide you with all the fiber you’ll ever need. A handmold is a paper making screen sandwiched between a deckle (usually a wooden frame) and a support.

There are two ways to make paper:

1. Pour Method
2. Dip Method

Generally, a pour handmold is easiest way to make paper. However, if you want to make many sheets that are the same, the dip handmold may be the best choice. Read through the basic directions below to decide if you want to 'pour' or 'dip' to make paper.

A 'pour' handmold has a deckle (frame) with high sides, usually 3 inches or so. To make paper, the handmold is set in a dishpan with 3-4 inches of water. A small amount of pulp is poured into the deckle.

Advantages to the pour method: Easy set up and clean up; every sheet is different. Arnold Grummer's offers a kit for every age, budget and purpose.

click here for classroom kits

A 'dip' handmold has a deckle (frame) with shallow sides. It is dipped into a dishpan filled with 3-4 inches of pulp.

Advantages of the dip method: Fastest way to make many similar sheets; considered a 'traditional' method. Arnold Grummer's offers an economy line of dip handmolds.

click here for classroom kits

For more details on the pour and dip method, instructions on how to build your own equipment, and lots more information on paper making, see ARNOLD GRUMMER’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO EASY PAPERMAKING. To learn how to make paper using things around your house, see TIN CAN PAPERMAKING: RECYCLE FOR EARTH AND ART by Arnold Grummer available at your local library.