E-How is a wonderful source of (can you guess?) DIY projects. If you aren't certain how to make or do something, consult this great resource. I did. I often do.
If you enjoy gardening and you thrive on giving homemade gifts to others, you are bound to have fun making plantable seed paper. It is a smart way to use paper that might otherwise end up in a landfill, and you get to turn it into art to share with others.
Instructions:
Things You'll Need
- Sponge
- Terry cloth
- Strainer
- Cup or bowl
- Blender
- Large spoon or spatula
- Flannel or felt
- Recyclable paper
- Flower seeds
- 1Collect a large pile of recyclable paper and tear it into very small pieces. Place the pieces in a bowl. Fill the bowl one-half to one-third full, cover with warm water and let sit for a minimum of 2 hours.
- 2Drain paper. Add paper to blender. Pour warm water into the blender jar over the pieces of paper. Fill the blender to the top line with warm water. Turn the blender on low for about 10 seconds. Increase the speed (or use the "Blend" button) for about 30 seconds or until no visible paper flakes remain.
- 3Sprinkle one-half to a teaspoon of flower seeds into the mixture and stir well (do not blend or else you may break open the seeds). Set the strainer on the cup or bowl and pour the mixture into the strainer. Use the spoon or spatula to press the mixture against the strainer and squeeze out as much water as you can.
- 4Lay the piece of flannel or felt onto a flat surface and dump the mixture onto the fabric. Use the spoon or spatula to spread it out on the fabric into the shape you want. Spread it as thin as you can so that it will dry more quickly.
- 5Use the sponge to flatten the mixture and absorb more of the water from the paper mixture. Press firmly with the terry cloth to absorb more water.
- 6Allow the paper to dry on the top and then turn it over. Allow the other side to dry completely. Use the paper to make a note card or ornament. Include instructions for your recipient, letting them know that they can plant the paper directly into the ground or soil in a pot.
- 1
To save tomato seeds, I cut the fruit across the equator and squeeze the seeds onto a paper towel. I sometimes poke my little finger into the chambers to get more seeds out. Usually this earns me a tomato juice squirt!
ReplyDeleteI spread the seeds onto the towel,dry it,and then write the variety and date with a Sharpie. I rip the towel and plant paper plus seeds into a flat in the spring. No need to pull the seeds off.