Recycle- Reuse- Reduce
A
creative learning experience and a bit of crafting, I suggest kids ages 4 and
up for this project. This experiment test young children patience and learn
that great things happen when you put time and effort to it. Making recycled
paper is a 3 day process each day is an observation period for the child to use
their senses to achieve their goal. You might hear “mommy is it ready yet” or “can
we make the recycled paper now” and “how come it’s taking so long”. Those were
the endless questioning I hear from Jaylin. My answer to her will be the same “it takes time
and you have to be patient, you can go take a look at it but it’s not ready
till tomorrow”. It probably doesn’t take 3 days to make it but I purposely
prolonged the process to teach her patience is the key to success, you can’t
always rush and finish something.
To be
honest you do not need a fancy kit to make recycled paper you can use everyday
household items to achieve the same results. Jaylin received this for Christmas
and was eager to use it when she heard she can make recycled paper on her own.
I was excited for the 3 R’s (recycle, reuse, reduce) the piles of scrap paper
and odd and ends paper left over from Jaylin’s oh so many art projects and her
love to cut and glue paper together. I taught her at a very young age not to
waste paper, and always keep the scraps of paper just in case you can use it
for another projects or art. At home I will give her empty tissue paper boxes
to collect all the tiny pieces of paper lingering around my floors, tables,
every nook and cranny. Perfect timing to use up the pile I was hoarding to make
recycled paper with Jaylin.
Day 2: With
the kit you may add the paper in the mixer and start mixing, those without the
kit I will drain the water from the mixing bowl and start stirring the paper
with a spatula until you get the consistency of mush. When done you can use the
deckles or cookie cutters to make the desired shape you like, make sure you add
enough so it’s a bit thick and not too thin because it may tear easily. Use a
piece of cloth or paper towel to soak up excess water. If you have the kit, now
it’s time to place the design on the paper press machine and let it sit by the
heater overnight to dry. Another great idea is to use old heavy hardcover
books, cover it with renold’s wrap so it won’t damage the book or make it wet
and place the recycled paper design in between two books to dry overnight. Also
heavy pots and pans will do the trick as well.
Day 3:
Check on your recycled paper it may still be wet, allow it to dry another day
if needed. When it’s done you are ready to get crafty and make greeting cards,
notepads, and many more.
Please view my other activities:
For a video demonstration visit my YouTube Channel:
