Handmade Paper with Petals

Recycled paper pulp and dried flowers become one-of-a-kind sheets pressed by little hands.

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Ages 4+20 min plus drying prep

This is a slow one, a whole morning project, and it is worth every minute. We save torn scraps in a jar all week just for it.

Blending the paper into pulp is loud and thrilling. Lifting the screen out of the water and seeing an actual sheet form is the moment they never forget. We press petals into ours before it dries.

The finished sheets are thick and uneven and perfect for cards to grandparents, which is what we always end up doing with them.

Pulp in the bowl and the screen lifting a fresh wet sheet

Petal-flecked sheets drying by the window

A stack of finished petal paper with soft deckled edges

What you'll need

Scrap paper (napkins, tissue, printer paper)
Warm water and a blender (adult use)
A shallow tub or tray
A simple deckle and mould (or an embroidery hoop with mesh)
Dried flower petals or herbs
Sponges and clean cloths for pressing

How to make it

1
Tear the scrap paper into small pieces and soak in warm water.
2
Adult only: blend the soaked paper into a smooth pulp.
3
Pour the pulp into the tub and stir in petals.
4
Dip the deckle into the tub and lift, letting water drain.
5
Press with a sponge and turn the sheet out onto a cloth to dry flat.

Tip

Use the finished sheets for handwritten notes or homemade cards.