Making paper

I decided to look into making paper for the slip design that I want to place on the outside of the book as a way to contain an finish off the piece. Therefore I wanted to see if there was any natural or recycled alternatives that I could use. An initial concept was somehow making paper out of leftover coffee cups, as sustainability is a major issue in the coffee community, particularly as I found coffee drinkers more likely to care about these issues. Of course the waxed card used in disposable coffee cups is unusable so I tried to make some paper of my own as an experiment. 

Equipement

The pulp set to dry

I found instructions to make paper online and discovered that there were multiple different ways with different complexities. I tried to find the easiest kind and sourced the right materials. The colour of this paper if it wants to be used for the slip has to be a specific colour and I know that using recycled paper is temperamental on the pattern and colour produced, so completely defying the point of RECYCLING, I brought a cheap roll of coloured paper to make into paper. Another hurdle was that as I was unable to find a fine mesh to sift the paper, I had to use muslin which, being a fabric, went slack when wet and lead to a build up of the blended paper and water mix. This had no drastic effect on the finished paper and only added a texture which I liked. I’m always up for adding another dimension to my work and texture is definitely and option. The imperfections in the handmade paper are also more authentic and rustic which is perfect for my journal.

Drying paper

The main issue with the handmade paper is that the colour produced are just too dull. There was an online tip that suggested using acrylic paint in the water mixture to add vibrant colour, but this also adds a waxy finish which deviates from the ‘natural’ intention of the venture. I also want to print onto this paper in order to maintain a familiarity within the booklet; this would simply be impossible.