Arnold Grummer's Papermaking - Making Seed Papers

A suggested theme for this month was making seed papers.  Since this is one thing that I had never tried before I decided to give it a whirl!

The results are these seed packets using the seeded sheets of paper.  Along with those I included a paper casting "plant poke" to add in a garden or a flower pot.

I did a bit of research on making seed papers and found a couple different approaches. The process began just as if making any sheet of paper.  Create the pulp and add it into a vat for dipping.  Choose a mold to form your paper.  NOTE: Either use the dip method or the pour method.  Add a template before proceeding if desired for a shape.  Use cookie cutters for creating unique shapes.

The samples of the finished papers show two different methods for adding the seeds.  The sheet on the left had the seeds added as the paper was lifted from the water vat.  Most of the seeds stay on the top of the sheet.  The opposite side is fairly smooth.  The sheet on the right has the seeds added to the mold of pulp before lifting.  They are mostly embedded into the pulp.  I used a mixture of seeds that are meant to attract butterflies and are of various colors.  Larger seeds are more difficult to embed into the papers.

Use the packet from the seeds to create a template to form the "seed paper packets" or draw your own. The sheet on the left was used to make the larger packet.  NOTE: Any seeds that became loose from the sheet were placed inside once the packet was formed.

Inside of Packet

Outside of  Packet

The seeded paper sheet on the right was used to make the smaller version of the seed packet.

To finish off the packages, I used an image from the original seed packet that was scanned and printed from the computer to create bands, plus the band describing the seeds.  A small label was placed on the back with directions.  Just a small ribbon and a punched paper butterfly finishes the look.

Make these as shower favors for a wedding or baby.  Think of using "baby's breath" for a baby shower.  Use them for wedding favors with flower seeds that the bride likes.  Make them for sending to friends and use "forget-me-nots" seeds.

Along with making the papers, I found some molds in my crafting room that are used for other various mediums.  It was time to experiment a little more.  From a mold that was made for making plaster casts, I made the coordinating butterfly shape from paper pulp, to create the plant poke.  A bit of paint and a coating of varnish is all that's needed before placing on a "Sticky Stick" to finish the plant poke.

For my first attempt at making seed paper I was pleased at the results.  This process would be fun to do with kids.  Make several sheets and allow them to cut it in various shapes, by hand or using a simple die-cutting machine.  Then plant some paper that grows!

Earlier this month there was another post on this process.  Refer to this previous post about making wedding favors from seeded papers for another example:
http://arnoldgrummer.blogspot.com/2014/03/recyclable-wedding-favors.html

For savings this month at the Arnold Grummer website here is a link and use the code - EARTH20 for savings.  There you can find a fun kit for kids (or any one wanting to have some fun) on how to make paper that grows.

Arnold Grummer's Papermaking - Papers With Texture

All handmade papers have something special about them.  Any piece can be distinct by what is blended together to create the papers.  This time around I was inspired to play with textures for the sheets I created.

Looking through the various crafting tools I have available in my workroom I found several forms of "texture" plates that can have a variety of uses.

To create this little booklet, a sheet of paper was made from a pile of scraps saved from several prior papermaking projects.

Once they were blended together with some cotton linter squares and a torn sheet of copy paper it was poured into the deckle and then formed into a sheet following the usually instructions.  Before the drying process, the sheet was placed onto the plastic texture sheet, covered with a couching sheet and pressed with pressing block, applying as much pressure as possible to add the texture from the plastic sheet to the paper.  The textured piece was then left to dry on its own without ironing.

The sheet was folded in half and torn into two pieces for the booklet covers.  Add pages using any papers of choice.  A length of ribbon is threaded through holes to hold covers and pages together.  Decorative leaf ribbon is place on the front cover.  Letters are die-cut from a handmade piece of paper that has been coated with epoxy resin.

This same idea could create booklets for wedding programs, memory books or any type of keepsake books for any purpose and theme.
NOTE: Thin applications of decoupage finish was brushed lightly onto the surface of the cover pieces to strengthen the paper.  Apply finish in a few thin coats as not to lose the texture in the paper.

Another example of a textured piece is here:

To make the texture stand out, rub the surface with chalk or mica powders.

For savings on your order go to the website  and use coupon code - EARTH20 for 20% off.