This is a guest post, kindly written by Clare Taylor (AKA Curious Clare) who is an Artist Educator based in the East Midlands. In 2016, she founded and now runs Bus and Bird Arts, a Participatory Arts organisation creatively connecting communities. As an artist, her practice is multi-disciplinary and heavily inspired by storytelling. Clare is passionate about the importance of creativity both indoors and out!
In the spirit of social isolation creativity, here’s an idea to keep you busy. Seed paper is easy to make, looks gorgeous and best of all it flowers when you plant it. How cool is that?!
You can try this activity with cress seeds which grow quickly and don’t need any soil to grow. But most seeds will work well, so why not try using wildflower seeds such as poppies, cornflowers or daisies to encourage bees and butterflies?
Step 1 – Shred or rip up paper or thin card
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Step 2 – Soak in a bowl or bucket of water overnight
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Step 3 – Scoop out a soggy handful at a time and blast in a blender. Pour this paper pulp into another bowl. Repeat.
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Step 4 – Scoop some of the paper pulp into a flat tray (cat litter trays are perfect!!!)
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Step 5 – Prepare a surface of an old towel/felt and thin fabric or j cloths.
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Step 6 – Using aluminium modelling mesh (buy online or in car repair shops) or very stiff plastic netting, cut out a simple shape
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Step 7 – Stir a packet of seeds in to the paper pulp mixture.
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Step 8 – Submerge the mesh shape into the pulp.
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Step 9 – Lift up mesh and allow to drip for 30 seconds
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Step 10 – Turn mesh upside down onto one of the cloths and gently press with a sponge to remove excess moisture.
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Step 11 – Leave to dry. The seeds will not have time to germinate – don’t worry!
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Step 12 – Repeat steps 8 to 11 until you are bored or the paper pulp runs out.
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Step 13 – Send to a friend or loved one to plant!
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Disclaimer – there are many variables, for example you can add flower petals or natural dyes for extra pizzazz. You can staple an uncut sheet of mesh to a frame for a larger sheet of paper. You can add threads or string. The list goes on. There’s some good online tutorials out there, have a look if you’re unsure.
Follow Clare Taylor (AKA Curious Clare) on social media for even more ideas!