Handmade Wedding Paper: Crafting A Memorable Day

Handmade paper has become a popular choice for wedding invitations in recent years, with its fluffy texture, raw edges, and various colour options creating a sophisticated and timeless look. Making paper by hand is a simple and environmentally friendly process, which can be done at home using recycled materials such as scrap paper, junk mail, and copy paper. The basic steps are to cut or rip the paper into small squares, soak the paper in water, blend it into a pulp, stir, scoop, and shake the pulp into sheets, and then dry the sheets.

Choosing the right paper for your wedding invitations

Printer Compatibility

Before choosing a paper type, it's essential to consider the printer you'll be using. Home printers are often limited in the paper thickness, or weight, they can handle. Review your printer's instructions and perform a test print to determine its maximum paper weight capacity. If you plan to use a local print shop, inquire about their specific printers and paper requirements.

Paper Weight

Cardstock weight, measured in pounds (# or lb) in the US and grams per square meter (gsm) in Europe, ranges from 45# to 300# or higher. For home printers, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal, while 100# can work for some printers. If you're printing at a local shop, you may be able to go up to 110# to 130# for a more professional look. Anything above 150# is best left to professional printers and letterpress printing.

Paper Type

There are several types of paper to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Solid white cardstock, made from tree pulp, is a popular choice due to its smooth, matte finish and variety of colours and weights. Linen cardstock, with its delicate woven texture, adds a subtle touch of elegance and can help hide printing imperfections. Cotton cardstock, favoured by many invitation companies, is smooth, absorbent, and gives invitations a modern look. Parchment, with its thin, semi-translucent marbled appearance, is perfect for a unique, intimate wedding. For a rustic or vintage wedding, consider kraft or recycled cardstock, which resembles coarse brown paper bags. If you want to add a luxurious touch, pearlescent paper gives invitations a soft glow, enhancing any photographs included in the design.

Printing Techniques

The printing technique you choose will also influence the overall look and feel of your invitations. Standard printing is a cost-effective option that can still deliver impressive results. Foil-pressed printing adds a touch of glamour with shimmering foil. Letterpress printing creates a debossed effect on the paper, resulting in a tactile experience for your guests.

Eco-Friendly Options

If sustainability is important to you, there are eco-friendly paper options available. Recycled paper, made from post-consumer waste, can be an environmentally conscious choice without sacrificing quality. Some companies even offer plantable seed paper invitations, contributing to a greener planet.

Remember, choosing the right paper for your wedding invitations is a fun part of the planning process. Take your time, consider your options, and don't be afraid to ask for samples to ensure you create a beautiful and memorable first impression.

How to print on handmade paper

Handmade paper wedding invitations are a great way to set the tone for an elegant and timeless wedding. Here are some tips for printing on handmade paper:

Choosing the Right Printer and Paper

Select a printer that is suitable for printing on handmade paper. An inkjet printer is generally recommended for digital printing on cotton rag paper or any other type of handmade paper. Laser printers can also be used, but they may struggle with thicker paper. In terms of paper weight, 250gsm is usually fine for printing, while 300gsm is better suited for letterpress work.

Printer Settings and Maintenance

Adjust the printer settings to achieve the desired print quality. Set the print quality to the highest level and select 'thick', 'heavy', or 'art' paper as the media type. Before printing, it's important to clean the printer rollers and ensure they are dry. This helps minimise bleeding on the edges, which can occur with fluffy paper.

Computer Print Settings

On your computer, adjust the print settings by selecting 'thick', 'recycled', or 'heavy matt' paper. Set the print quality to 'normal' or 'best'.

Testing and Loading Paper

Print a test page to ensure the printer is calibrated correctly and the settings are adjusted appropriately for printing on handmade paper. Load the paper into the printer tray, ensuring the edges are aligned, and the paper is not creased, folded, or stacked unevenly.

Printing and Drying

After printing the test page and ensuring the results are satisfactory, proceed with printing on your handmade paper. It's recommended to print 6-10 pieces at a time to monitor any potential printing issues. Allow the printed paper to dry completely before handling to prevent smearing.

Additional Tips

• When printing on deckle edge paper, consider ironing the edges beforehand to prevent ink from being left on the edges.
• Printing on handmade paper may require patience and extra paper for test prints.
• The colour output may appear darker on handmade paper due to higher ink absorption.
• Paper jams can occur due to fibre build-up on the rollers, so it's important to clean the rollers regularly, especially when using handmade paper.
• When printing with deckle edges, pay attention to the alignment and registration of the paper.
• Experiment with different print settings to find the best results for your specific printer and paper combination.
• Consider using a product like Ink Aid to coat the paper for inkjet printing, but keep in mind that coatings can affect the paper quality and surface texture.
• Avoid using paper with dimensional inclusions, as they may damage the printing technology.
• For moisture-resistant prints, use laser or photocopier prints, or opt for pigment and archival ink cartridges with your inkjet printer.

Making paper by hand at home

Step 1: Gather Supplies

You will need a papermaking mould and deckle, cotton thread, a plastic water basin or sink, natural dyes such as saffron, chamomile flowers, tea, and a small cotton sheet. You can also use a paper-making kit that includes all the necessary tools and materials.

Step 2: Rip or Blend Paper

Rip your scrap paper into small pieces or blend it with a little water in a blender to create a pulp. Soak the paper pieces in water for a few hours or overnight to soften them before blending.

Step 3: Prepare the Pulp

Fill a large shallow tub or basin with warm water and add the paper pulp. Stir well to mix. If you want to add natural dyes or dried flowers to your paper, now is the time to do so. You can either mix them into the tub or press them into the pulp later.

Step 4: Form the Sheets

Assemble your mould and deckle together, with the deckle's screen side facing up. Dip the mould and deckle into the water and slowly sift the fibres onto the mould. Remove the deckle and place a cotton sheet on top of the fibres. Use a paper roller to drain excess water and help the paper stick to the cotton sheet.

Step 5: Remove the Cotton Sheet

Carefully remove the cotton sheet, ensuring that the paper is sticking to it evenly. This step is similar to removing a temporary tattoo or bandage without ripping it.

Step 6: Dry the Paper

Hang the paper to dry. Depending on airflow and sunlight, this can take up to 24 hours. You can also experiment with other drying methods, such as sticking it to a window or ironing it.

Troubleshooting:

If your paper has an unwanted curl, it is likely due to uneven distribution of fibres onto the cotton. To avoid this, sift slowly and evenly, and ensure that all fibres are in contact with the cotton by rolling over the entire surface with the paper roller.

Tips:

You can add flower petals to your water basin to naturally colour your paper pulp. You can also experiment with different types of paper and natural materials to create unique textures and colours.

Using recycled paper

Preparing the Paper:

• Start by gathering used paper. You can use a variety of paper types such as printer paper, newspaper, clean napkins, tissues, photocopier paper, wrapping paper, brown paper, lined paper, or old envelopes. The colour and texture of the paper you choose will affect the final look of your recycled paper.
• Shred the paper into small, evenly sized pieces. The finer the pieces, the smoother your final paper will be. You can use a paper shredder and then grind or rip the shredded pieces into smaller bits.
• Soak the shredded paper in hot water. Place the paper scraps in a pan or dish and add enough hot water to cover them completely. Stir the mixture to ensure all the paper is soaked, and let it sit for a few hours, stirring occasionally.
• (Optional) Add a few tablespoons of cornstarch to the mixture after a few hours to improve the consistency. Stir it in thoroughly and add a bit of hot water if needed.

Blending and Straining:

• Place a handful of the soggy paper mixture into a blender with enough water to fill it halfway. Blend in short bursts until the paper becomes a mushy texture similar to cooked oatmeal.
• Pour the blended paper pulp into a pan or dishpan, adding water until the mixture is 3-4 inches deep.
• Procure a screen to strain the wet pulp. You can use a piece of window screen or fine mesh cut to the size of the paper you want to create. Make sure it has a border or frame to hold in the pulp.
• Slide the screen into the bottom of the pan so that it sits beneath the water and pulp. Gently move the screen back and forth to break up any clumps, then lift the screen straight up, allowing the pulp to spread evenly in a thin layer on the screen.
• Place the screen on a towel with the paper side facing up to drain excess moisture. Leave it undisturbed for at least an hour to allow the pulp to continue draining.

Pressing and Drying:

• After an hour, lay a thin fabric, such as an old bedsheet, on top of the pulp on the screen. Press down firmly with a dry sponge to squeeze out excess water and transfer the paper from the screen to the fabric.
• Carefully lift the screen, and the paper should release onto the fabric. Place it in a warm, dry place and let it air dry overnight or for at least a few hours. Avoid placing it under direct heat, as this may cause the paper to dry unevenly.
• Once the paper is completely dry, carefully peel it away from the fabric. Your recycled paper is now ready to use!

Printing on Recycled Paper:

When you're ready to print your wedding invitations or other stationery, here are some tips for printing on recycled handmade paper:

• Choose an inkjet printer for digital printing on recycled paper. While some recycled papers can go through laser printers, inkjet printers tend to work better for this type of paper.
• Adjust your printer settings to the highest print quality and select the appropriate media type, such as 'thick', 'heavy', or 'art' paper.
• Clean the printer rollers before printing to minimise bleeding on the edges. Refer to your printer manual for specific instructions.
• Print a test page to ensure the printer is calibrated correctly and the settings are adjusted properly for printing on recycled paper.
• Load the recycled paper into the printer tray, ensuring the edges are aligned and the paper is not creased or folded.
• Print your final design in small batches of 6-10 pieces at a time, watching for any potential printing issues.
• Allow the printed paper to dry completely before handling to prevent smearing.

Different drying options

There are several ways to dry your handmade paper. Each method will produce a different texture of paper, so choose the one that best suits your desired outcome.

Option 1: Hand Pressing

Place a paper towel or pellon on top of your wet paper couched onto a flat, absorbent surface. Use a sponge to press gently, then apply more pressure by pressing firmly or using a rolling pin.

Option 2: Board Pressing

Place a felt on top of your wet paper, then couch another sheet on top. Repeat this process until you have a stack, then place a final felt and woodboard on top. Stand on the stack outside on a concrete or stone surface.

Option 3: Surface Drying

Find a flat, non-porous surface, such as a smooth wood board, plexiglass, window, or formica surface. Gently press your wet paper onto the surface, ensuring the edges are pressed down well. Allow the paper to dry for 1-3 days, depending on humidity levels and paper thickness.

Option 4: Exchange Drying

Layer absorbent, dry, flat materials, such as blotters or towels, then place your wet paper on top. Repeat to create a stack, then place a wood board or book on top, weighing it down with more books or heavy objects. Exchange the damp material with dry material once a day until your paper is dry.

Option 5: No Restraint Drying

Place your wet paper on a shelf or table and let it air-dry. This method will result in a wild, wrinkly, and textured paper.

Option 6: Dry on Pellon or Cloth

After pressing, peel and hang the cloth or pellon, with the wet paper still attached, on a clothesline. Once the paper is dry (after 1-2 days), peel it from the pellon. The paper will have a slightly wavy texture.

Frequently asked questions