Make Paper at Home

Like many other artists and freelancers, I've lost a lot of work since cultural institutions in New York City closed their doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For me, the jobs were mainly formal and informal papermaking workshops. Because many people are stuck at home, or teaching and learning from home, I thought it might be useful for me to share my process for other folks in similar circumstances looking for a creative outlet. If you're on lockdown and want to make your own beautiful, recycled paper to write, draw, or paint on, gather some supplies and follow the steps below. Basic supply list for home papermaking:

mould and deckle (1x1" molding, window screen mesh)vat (plastic bucket or storage bin)blenderplastic containers (for storing pulp etc)paint strainer (mesh bag, from hardware store)sponges muslin, canvas or pellon (aprox 9x12", or slightly larger than your mould and deckle)newspapers, newsprint or blotters (for drying)waste paper to recycleinclusions 

Step 1:

You can probably find most of the above supplies at home, but you will need to make a mould and deckle: 2 frames (same size) with some window screening stretched tight over one of them.