This week our TOG studies have brought us to Ancient China. Frankly, one week is not really enough time to go into much detail, so we’ve down a broad overview. Our favorite activity (so far) has been papermaking. We made recycled paper. (Meaning, we made paper out of paper.)
Step 1: Rip 1 sheet of paper into pieces about 2″ square. (Shape isn’t important, just basic size.)
Step 2: Put pieces of paper into the blender.
Step 3: Add 1 L of hot water.
Step 4: Blend about 3 minutes to make pulp.
Step 5: Put paper screen and mold into large container. Fill with water until the water level is 1″ over the screen. (OK, this is the part that I cheated on. My husband took a summer seminar at NC State’s Pulp and Paper Science Department and they gave him all the supplies for making paper in the classroom including this nice little screen apparatus.)
Step 6: Pour pulp into mold over screen.
Step 7: Remove mold from water, letting as much water drain as possible.
Step 8: Remove top from mold
Step 8: Blot paper with blotting paper or paper towels.
Step 9: Carefully remove your paper from the screen by slowly peeling back the blotting paper.
Step 10: Make a “sandwich” with 2 layers of blotting paper under your new paper and 3 pieces of blotting paper on top. Iron on highest heat setting for 3 minutes.
Step 11: Carefully peel your new paper off the blotting paper.
We also made a sheet using blue construction paper.
Very nice. We made paper for Christmas a few years ago. I really like the blue.
Blessings,
Dawn
Wow! Your TOG studies are awesome I really hope I can do it in the future. Right now I'm thinking of starting in 2 years.
–Gena
We studied Year 1 Tapestry of Grace last year and really enjoyed it. You look like you're having lots of fun! I've just tagged you over on my blog.
That is so super neato! I want to do it! 🙂