Handmade paper from paper pulp and egg trays

1   Moisten the paper pulp and tear it and the egg tray or other paper items into small pieces. Leave it to soak completely.

2   Whisk the paper pulp to a uniform consistency either with a hand whisk or an electrical hand mixer. The latter ensures a finer distribution.

3   Pour the mixture into a tub with water large enough to fit the paper making frame mould. The thickness of the finished paper varies according to the amount of pulp in the mixture. Whisk using your hands or use a whisk just before moulding, otherwise the mixture will sink to the bottom.

4   Hold the frame vertically at the back of the tub. The side on which the screen is attached should face you.

5   Submerge the frame underneath the pulp horizontally. Push it forwards and backwards until the screen is covered and lift it out of the tub. Let the water drip off. A tip: Sieve the left-over pulp from the water, leave to dry and save it for next time. Never pour it directly into the sink, as it can block the drains.

6   Fold a piece of felt and run it across the underneath of the frame to soak up the water. Squeeze out the water and continue like this until most of the water is absorbed.

7   Turn over the frame and place it with the pulp face down onto a piece of felt.

8   Soak up more water but only press lightly.

9   Carefully remove the frame. Make sure that the pulp section comes away from the frame before lifting it. Leave the homemade piece of paper on the felt to dry. The drying time varies according to room temperature (24-48 hours).