These recycled paper Valentines are eco-friendly and fun for the whole family! They not only encourage children to show love for the planet, but also to use their imaginations and resist the commercialized nature of what Valentine’s Day has come to represent.
You will need...
- scrap paper
- water
- bucket
- deep square pan
- piece of screen that fits the pan
- rolling pin
- towels
Directions
- Tear up the scrap paper and soak in a bucket of hot water for 30 minutes.
- Using a blender or a whisk, mix until the paper becomes a creamy, mushy pulp. Be creative and add dried flowers, seeds, sparkles, or bits of yarn to the mix. For colour, try adding turmeric, coffee grounds, carrots, berries or spinach.
- Pour a few centimeters of water into the square pan and add the screen. Pour a cup of the pulp-water mixture onto the screen.
- Spread the pulp over the screen with your fingers. Gently lift the screen out of the pan and let the water drain away, leaving the pulp on top of the screen.
- Lay the screen face-down on a towel. Gently peel the screen away, and cover the
- paper-pulp with another towel. Use the rolling pin to press out the excess water. Allow the new paper to dry for 24 hours.
- Cut into hearts and decorate. Be creative and have fun!