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Learning Objectives:

• Students will understand how homemade paper is made.

• Students will create paper using recycled materials.

• Students will learn to appreciate the work and steps involved in making your own paper.

• Teacher can begin introducing children to the various methods of papermaking throughout the ages.

What You Need:

• egg cartons
• detergent
• water
• pot
• screens
• newspaper
• any odd wool, sparkles, etc. to add to paper
• food coloring (optional)

What You Do:

1. Encourage children to tear up egg cartons.

2. Put the pieces in pot with detergent, cook on low for 2-3 hours.

3. Put in food processor, until smooth consistency.

4. Add water to mixture before and after cooking.

5. You can add a touch of food coloring or other items to enhance your paper (string, confetti dots, etc.)

6. Strain through screen until desired thickness--flip over onto newspaper, put more newspaper and towels on top.

7. Cover with heavy books, etc for 24 hours. Peel off paper and let dry for 24 more hours--can also make bowls and other fun stuff--put flat paper works the best. You can also use old newspaper and other scrap paper.

8. Have fun!

►More Recycling Lessons

Recommended Books:

Recycled Re-Seen : Folk Art from the Global Scrap Heap
Whether it is a dustpan made out of a license plate, a bowl fashioned from a bent vinyl record, a pair of sandals with soles made of Goodyear tire treads, or a tin-can lantern, folk artists all over the world are turning trash into treasure.