Dry Pressing

With some papers it may be necessary to press the paper as it dries. This necessary for papers that are likely to shrink or bow during the drying process such as nettle paper.

To dry press to must place the wet sheets of paper in between sheets of corrugated card (this can be found second hand at any store). These sandwiched sheets of paper can then be stacked and a weight placed on top (I've used a second hand bucket full of water). The weight press the paper whilst it dries to stop shrinkage. The cardboard pulls water water away from your paper, air can pass through the corrugated sections of this card and will dry it out, therefor drying out the paper sheets you've created.

Rice Starch

To make any paper made useful for putting anything containing liquid on to the surface of the paper it must first be sized. This can be done with starch, here's a picture of the rice starch I've been using.

This can be brushed on but i usually spray it on as it gives a more even coverage. Potato starch can also be used.

The paper that has been sprayed must be dried evenly on both sides so placing it on a drying rack would be great, but a piece of wire mesh works just as well.

Oak inner bark, Willow inner bark Paper

Oak inner bark, Willow inner bark, Ragwort seed Paper

Nettle, Willow inner bark Paper

Nettle, Willow and Ragwort Paper

Stinging Nettle Paper

1. Collect stinging nettles (wear gloves)
2. Remove the leaves and press to remove the sting (wear gloves)
3. Using a knife or your nail cut up the centre of the stalk.
4. Flatten the stalk.
5. Remove the woody centre from the fibrous bast.
6. Cut the bast fibre in to 1 inch lengths.
7. Ret in potash (10 days)
8. Wash thoroughly.
9. Place the pulp in a paper bath and pull a sheet using a deckle and mould.
10. Needs to be dry pressed or it will bow a lot.

The paper feels like a sheet of fabric. Quite successful!

nettle paper