How to Make Paper That Looks Homemade

Learn to create rustic, handmade-looking paper using simple household materials for crafts and special projects.

  1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need: white paper (copy paper or newspaper works well), a large bowl or basin, warm water, a blender or food processor, a fine mesh strainer or old window screen, towels, and optional decorative elements like flower petals, leaves, or food coloring. Set up your workspace near a sink since this can get messy. Lay out plenty of towels to protect surfaces and have a flat drying area ready.
  2. Prepare Your Paper Pulp. Tear your paper into small pieces, about the size of postage stamps. Soak the torn paper in warm water for at least 30 minutes until it's completely saturated. For faster results, use hot water and let it sit for 15 minutes. The paper should feel soft and start to break apart easily when you touch it.
  3. Blend the Mixture. Drain most of the water, leaving just enough to help the blending process. Add the soaked paper to your blender with a small amount of water. Blend in short bursts until you have a chunky, oatmeal-like consistency. Don't over-blend – you want some texture for that homemade look. If adding decorative elements like flower petals or a few drops of food coloring, mix them in now.
  4. Form Your Paper Sheets. Fill a large, shallow container with water and add your paper pulp, stirring gently. Slide your mesh screen into the water at an angle, then lift it up horizontally under the pulp mixture. The pulp should settle evenly across the screen. Lift the screen out of the water and let excess water drain for about 30 seconds.
  5. Press and Dry Your Paper. Carefully flip the screen onto a towel so the wet paper transfers to the towel surface. Gently lift the screen away. Place another towel on top and press firmly to remove excess water. You can also use a rolling pin to press out more water. Remove the top towel and let your paper air dry completely on the bottom towel, which usually takes 2-4 hours depending on thickness and humidity.