• If you've been using junk mail, magazines or newspaper for your paper pulp, you may have been disappointed by the brittle paper it makes. Junk mail, magazines and newspaper are wood fiber-based papers. Wood fiber is very short. Wood pulp paper manufacturers use chemical binders in their papermaking process to keep the paper from falling apart. If you want to use wood fiber papers in your paper pulp, use 1 part wood fiber paper to 3 parts cotton linter (or whichever pulp you prefer). Keep in mind that adding wood fiber papers to your paper pulp increases the acid content of your finished paper.

• If you've added leaves to your paper pulp and are disappointed that they sometimes "bleed" into your finished sheet of paper, try snipping off the stems of the leaves before adding them to your paper pulp. This doesn't always work, but it's worth a try!

• Look around your yard for plants to add texture to your finished papers. The fuzz from cattails adds a lovely softness and a warm brown to your paper. The leaves from Gladiolus and Iris add long fibers to your paper. Trim the leaves to 1-2 inch pieces and add them-fresh or dried-to your blender and blend them with your pulp. Remember that extra-fleshy leaves and flower petals may mold during your paper's drying process. Experiment and take notes. Store dried plant material in plastic bags and use them throughout the year.

• There are interesting additions to your paper pulp, right in your own kitchen! When dried herbs have passed their prime, add them to your paper pulp. It smells good during the papermaking process, but for some reason the odor dissipates by the time your paper dries. The tea in used tea bags (black or herbal) adds color and grainy texture to your finished papers.

• CAUTION: Adding plants, herbs, teas and wood-based papers to your paper pulp may increase the acid content of your finished papers. One example of acid damage is yellowed newspaper. This is only a problem if you want to use your papers for long-term projects where acid would cause harm, such as with matting photographs or in artworks meant to last for a long time.

• Don't want to wait for your finished sheet of gorgeous handmade paper to dry? Try carefully slipping the sheet of paper into a pillowcase and ironing it on both sides until it's dry. Adjust your iron's temperature so it doesn't burn your paper and turn off the "steam" function, if possible. This tip is for adults only. Never let a child play with a clothes iron. Keep cord out of children's reach.

• On chilly winter days, use warm water when you make handmade paper. On hot summer days, use cold water. Turn on the radio or put on a favorite piece of music as you create. Dance and smile!

Copyright 2006-Parkhurst Paper Arts - All rights reserved.