Recycled Paper Project - Fun for Kids and Adults!

Tired of always tossing your shredded documents? How about getting the kids together for a fun and environmentally friendly art project! All you need is some shredded paper, an old (or new) blender, and an unused window screen - at least 12x12 inches. With these simple items, you can create wonderful recycled paper that can be used for tons of things.

The first step is collecting the paper. Your old shredded documents work great. Make sure there isn't any plastic in with the mix. If you have a stack of old art projects from your kids, this is also a great project to re-invent them! You can also use old newspapers, magazines, and news flyers. Either use a paper shredder to shred up your selected paper, or tear into thin strips. Using different colors of paper will change the color of your finished product. Paper with writing on it creates a fun finished product full of random letters.

Once you have shredded your paper, get out your blender. Fill your blender about one-third of the way full with your shredded paper. Add enough water to cover the paper and then enough to leave about 2 inches below your blender lid. Make sure to put your blender lid on and pulse your blender on low several times to help break up the shredded paper. Once it is fairly chopped up, you can blend on low to create a nice pulp.

Now is the time to add any fun items into your paper! Add glitter, paint for additional color, dried flowers or leaves, or even string and blend for a couple additional seconds. If your pulp seems a little dry, add some more water to help blend. When you are happy with the color and texture of your paper pulp, it is time to get your screen ready.

Find a place outside to put your window screen where it can lay flat and drain well. Laying it in the sun will also help your paper dry. A nice flat spot on the grass in the sun works wonderful! Bring your paper pulp to your screen and dump it out. It will be thick and mushy! Gently press your hands onto the pulp and spread it out on the screen. If it is a little challenging, add some more water to help spread it around. Try to keep the pulp the same thickness and move it as close to the edges of your screen. If you need more paper pulp, go back and make more!

Let your paper dry for several hours. When it is fully dry, it will easily pop out of your screen. Now you can cut your paper into the size you would like and use it for anything! Hand made paper is fun to use for cards, book covers, wall hangings, and fun art projects.

Next time you are getting ready to toss out all your shredded paper, re-use it instead and make some recycled paper! It is a great project to do with your kids - or on your own - and helps re-use and recycle paper, and keep the Earth happy!