The Guest List: Making Paper

Papermaking is for everyone!

 

So, I am part of a group of moms who get together one night a month to craft and socialize.  During April, it was my turn to organize the activity.  But what to do?  I remembered loving the Science in a Suitcase Papermaking Kit from my years as a Kindergarten teacher, so I decided to give it a try again, but this time with adults.  It was a success!  I also made several batches of paper with my two little boys, ages 5 and 2, and they loved it as well.

 The procedure for making recycled paper is fairly simple:

1. Tear paper into small pieces.  (You can use copy paper, construction paper, paper towels, etc.)
2. Blend the paper pieces into a “slurry” with water and starch.
3. Add in decorative items (glitter, wildflower seeds, bits of thread, etc.) as desired.
4. Pour the “slurry” through a screened frame and press out the water.

The moms enjoyed experimenting with colors, textures, and shapes.  (Fresh rosemary was a beautiful addition.)  Tearing the paper (a great fine motor activity for young children) was a bit difficult for my 2-year-old, but the rest of the process was very kid-friendly.  My boys especially enjoyed watching the slurry change color as the papers mixed together in the blender.  (This is a good opportunity for a color wheel lesson, such as “What happens when we mix blue and red paper?”)  I found that making individual batches of paper (one full blender equaled one sheet of paper) worked best, because each person could then really customize the paper.  (The kit calls for making large batches of paper – several sheets of the same color- at a time.  This is ideal for large groups.)

 The Science in a Suitcase Kits are great because all of the materials and supplies are provided for you.  How easy is that?  The Papermaking Kit in particular lends itself to lots of experimentation and variation.  (I think next time we are going to use cookie cutters to shape the paper!)  This is a super home schooling, birthday party, or rainy day activity -- It’s the perfect mix of science and art.   

          -Heather Nottingham, Member of the Museum of Life and Science

Thanks Heather for being part of our Guest List and for being a member!  If you would like to rent this kit or another one, please contact me at kristenw@ncmls.org or 919.220.5429 X 356.