by Tyler Elks
Here at Ignite, we have a wonderful paper-making kit that you can use while in our space. However, some folks may want to take the fun of paper-making home with them, or maybe you just want a specific size for your paper. Either way here’s how to make a paper-making mold and deckle out of a picture frame.
How to Make a Picture Frame Paper Mold
If you’re curious about how to make your own paper, come check out our paper-making kit! First, what are the mold and deckle? They are essentially a screen and a frame that you use to collect pulp and turn it into a piece of paper.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two picture frames of the same size with a flat back
- Wire mesh
- Staple gun (optional)
Here’s what you’ll do:
Take everything out of the picture frames, you only need the frame itself. If there are any extra pieces attached to the frame you can bend them and snip them off with pliers (or scissors if the wire is thin enough).
Take your wire mesh and staple it to the top of the frame. Pull it tight and staple the bottom, you may need to ask for help with this part! Then staple the sides, making sure that the screen stays tight. Staple all around to ensure that the wire mesh and the frame are secured together. Trim any excess mesh. This will be the screen that allows water to drip through while keeping the pulp from falling out of the mold. If the wire mesh you’re using is thick, make sure to use proper safety gear such as work gloves and eyewear.
Your other frame won’t need any mesh and will serve as the mold that helps the paper take shape.
When you use this mold and deckle duo you’ll have to hold them tightly together so that the mold doesn’t move around too much. To avoid this you can add dowels or use a hinged picture frame.
Alternatively, you can use a stiff wire mesh that doesn’t require stapling to hold its shape. In this case, you can sandwich it between the two picture frames and dip the mold into the pulp. This method requires you to hold everything still but allows you to remove the wire mesh, which may make it easier for you to dry the paper.
Use your picture frame mold and deckle in the same way you would use the one included in Ignite’s kit.
Share your paper making creations with us on our Ignite Community Discussion Board on Facebook! Happy making!
