Recycled paper making is a great reuse idea plus it’s so pretty and unique
Creativity takes courage.– Henri Matisse
RECYCLED PAPER-MAKING BACKSTORY
If we take the time, often we find out just how much we have in common with one another. Sometimes it’s where we grew up, foods we like, children we have…basically our joys. And yet, sometimes it’s in our sorrows we find a person who knows a pain that others don’t understand.
I, Salvage Sister, lost my Mom when I was 17 to a year-long battle with melanoma aka cancer. It was a devastating loss as she was my best friend.
Recently, I connected with Barbara via Instagram, not only her upcycled creations but HER STORY!
Brooke and Barbara
I was completely honoured that she choose to share how she uses creativity as a process to remember her daughter, and work through her grief.
THE HOW-TO RECYCLED PAPER MAKING
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SUPPLIES
- Shredded Paper
- Water
- Old Blender (Thrift Store is a great place to find one)
- Sponge
- Old Towels/Paper Towels (for couching)
- Plastic Storage Tub
- Old Wooden Picture Frames (they must be the same size for mould & deckle).
- Window Screening
- Staple Gun
- Inclusions – flowers, leaves, botanicals, etc… (optional)
- Rolling pin, wooden stamps (optional)
*See how many of these items can be found at a thrift store or items you already have around the house?
Instructions for Mould and Deckle
- Remove glass and any backing materials from both frames.
- Cover the flat side of one frame with the window screen and staple in place. (This is your mould.)
- Clean 2nd frame of any debris. (This is your deckle.)
–OR you can buy a kit like this.
Recycled Paper Making Instructions
- Lay towels on a flat surface for couching.
- Fill blender 1/3rd full of shredded paper.
- Add water to cover.
- Blend until the paper and water are combined (pulp). You can add your inclusions here. I made several different batches:
- lavender (daughter’s wedding); rosemary, basil, daisy and rose petals from my garden.
- Pour the pulp into your plastic tub and add enough water to submerge the mould & deckle.
- Stir the tub of pulp (keep to it suspended in the water).
- Position the deckle on top of the mould – matching all edges.
- Carefully hold the two frames together and at a 45-degree angle dip them into the pulp scooping up enough to cover the screen.
- Lift the frames straight up out of the tub and allow the water to drain off.
- Remove the deckle by lifting straight up.
- Place the edge of the mould on the towels for couching (transferring paper to towel).
- Carefully lay the mould paper-side-down onto the towels.
- Blot the back of the paper with a large sponge.
- Lift the mould off of the towels – beginning with one side and checking to see that paper has fully transferred to the towel. (Imagine opening a book here.)
- Place another towel/paper towels on top of your paper and press to remove as much water as possible.
- Here I pressed an old wooden stamp on some of the paper. Others I used a carved rolling pin.
- As you make each additional piece of paper stack them on top of each other with towels between each layer.
- When you have 5 or 6 cover the entire stack with a towel and place them under a stack of heavy books to dry, 1 – 2 days depending on humidity
SALVAGE MOMENTS
Brooke’s mantra was: Our attitude, outlook, perspective is the most empowering tool we have.
Though her battle progressed aggressively from Stage II to III to IV, Brooke remained unwaveringly courageous. She never let it take away her hope or philanthropic spirit.
And obviously Barbara is doing her best at one of the worst situations you can be given…losing a child.
Here are a few more upcycled projects she has done to work through her grief:
Please make sure to connect with Barbara on Instagram here – @iride4Brooke and you can support melanoma cancer research.
Click here to learn about the signs of melanoma?
MORE SALVAGED PROJECTS
Thanks for stopping by today. Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home AND life. If you enjoyed this recycled paper making information, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.
I just lost a grandmother last week, and this story is really resonating with me, as she outlived two of her three children. It’s true, no parent should ever have to bury their own child. I love how Barbara took her grief and turned it into something beautiful. Such an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing.
Leslie recently posted…The Happy Now Blog Link Up #48
Leslie, I am so sorry about your grandmother. I can’t imagine how difficult that was for her. Yes, Barbara is an inspiration. My heart just breaks for her.
I lost a friend to melanoma when he was 23-years-old and a new father. Love this project. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai recently posted…Bathtub Full Of Bubbles – A Great Way To Relax
Lorelai, I am sorry for your loss as well. Hopefully one day this will not be the case!!
What beautiful thoughts and insight on a helpful way to deal with grief. Thank you for sharing this. #HomeMattersParty
Thanks for stopping by Sara!
What a very moving post. I cannot imagine losing a child, but I, like you, know the devastation of losing a mother. My Mom was only 47 when she lost her battle with cancer. She passed her love of art on to me. I pray always for a cure for all types of cancer. Thanks for sharing At #homemattersparty
Michelle James recently posted…Movie Monday Challenge-Beauty and the Beast-DIY Flower Cloche
Michelle,
I am so sorry about your loss as well. The loss of a mother is so huge. So thankful our momma’s gave us what they did in their short time on earth.
Thank you for sharing your personal story. I am so sorry to hear of both of your losses. #HomeMattersParty
Nicole recently posted…7 Easy Ways To Spend More Time With Your Dog + Homemade Dog Treats Recipe
Nicole, I was honored to share her story and project. And hopefully one person will learn more about the signs on melanoma.
I am so sorry for both of your losses. What a positive way to honor someones memory. Thank You both for sharing such a personal issue with us and for the Joy you have found in honoring your memories. Your loved ones would be proud.
Jeannee
First, though I don’t know you personally, you will be in my thoughts and prayers along with your friend. I lost my Mom 12 years ago to lung cancer (she was a non-smoker) and though I had her for 46 years, I miss her still today. The pain lessens with time, but there is still a loneliness that doesn’t go away. I can’t imagine the pain of losing your Mom so early or in loosing a child. I can only send loving thoughts and prayers to both of you!
Secondly, thank you for the great direction for making handmade paper. I’m a card maker and recently used some handmade papers for my cards & loved them!!! I decided that rather than driving several hours every time I wanted to use them I would try to learn how to make my own. Your directions are very clear I will be trying them out soon.
God Bless you both—
Grammy, What a sweet comment. Thank you for your kindness. There really is no love like a momma’s love. Sorry you lost your mom as well. Yes, the pain does lessen with time but you are so right it is always with us.
I hope you get a chance to make the paper. It’s such a great way to use up all the scrap paper around. Feel free to share it on our facebook page if you make some. http://www.facebook.com/salvagesisterandmister
Blessings back to you as well!!!
Thank you so much for sharing.
I have one question, what size frames do you use personally?
Hi There, This was a post shared with us. We only have the info that is in the post itself. I think it’s pretty flexible though