How to Make Seed Paper With Children

by Heather South

Papermaking can be long and involved. You can simplify it to teach the benefits of recycling.

Supplies

  • Paper scraps
  • Water
  • Blender
  • Plastic or metal screens. I use plastic mesh.
  • Seeds
  • Masking tape/Sharpies

    • Instructions

    Step 1

    Assemble supplies.

    Step 2

    Tear paper into pieces the size of a nickel. Use paper that is similar weight and color. Soak the paper in water overnight. This is a photo of the paper soaking.

    Step 3

    Add soaked paper to a blender. Blend on high speed, occasionally stirring (once the blender stops) with the handle of a wooden spoon. The puréed pulp will look like this.

    Step 4

    Use a piece of plastic screen,( typically used for stitchery crafts), and a cookie cutter as your paper mold. Simple cookie cutters work best.

    Step 5

    Press pulp into the cookie cutter, holding it in place as you go. Press down on the pulp, spreading it as thin as possible. Water will squeeze out. A layer of newspaper, underneath), will absorb it.

    Step 6

    Keep pressing . . .

    Step 7

    Carefully lift off the cookie cutter.

    Step 8

    Lay 3-4 seeds on the shape and press a little more pulp over them to help secure them.

    Step 9

    This paper has been dried, on the screen,about 36 hrs.

    Step 10

    Kids can place their paper in baggies with directions.

    Step 11

    The paper can be soaked in water a few hours, then planted. The paper will biodegrade and the seeds will grow. We used Zinnia seeds that will bloom in July if planted in May.

    https://snapguide.com/guides/make-seed-paper-with-children/