To much fun! I was recently invited to visit a local paper making art studio. I had no idea such an incredible and creative environment existed or that I could take classes in paper making, book binding, Japanese paper making and a number of other great programs.

The afternoon started with a stroll of the grounds where even though the studio is located in a very urban environment they grow their own trees from which they strip and make pulp(slurry). The cores of the trees are then used for a number of other green projects throughout the area and are free to visiting floral designers and artist in the local area.

Fueled by all of the possibilities at my hands for the lost art of paper making I did some quick research and found a number of great projects to introduce children to paper making, conservation and recycling. The best part was these three ideas could be incorporated into one winter afternoon with some old recycled paper, a blender, water, seeds(not necessary but adds to the fun of it) and old felt or similar materials and it seems children as well adults of all ages enjoyed the project!

Had I thought this out a bit better the artistic different possibilities were endless! Ideally making the paper without the seeds and printing on it for Christmas cards what could be more fun for a ladies night out? Perhaps next year. The creative possibilities are endless!

Note: I was able to locate a paper pulp(known as a slurry) from a supplier near where I lived to give me a more finished product. The product was sold in 5 gallon buckets by type (there were a number of color, texture and base component choices) however in a pinch the recipe from ehow.com was equally as much fun.

Read more at http://www.ehow.com/how_4464555_make-seed-embedded-plantable-paper.html

• 1. Collect a large pile of recyclable paper and tear it into very small pieces. Place the pieces in the blender jar. Fill the blender jar one-half to one-third full.

• 2 .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.
• 3. Sprinkle one-half to a teaspoon of flower seeds into the mixture and stir well (do not blend). 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 more water.
• 4. Lay 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 quicker.
• 5. Use the sponge to flatten the mixture and absorb more of the water from the paper mixture. Press firmly with the terry cloth or microfiber towel to absorb still more water.
• 6. Allow 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 postcard. Include instructions for your recipient, letting them know that they can plant the paper directly into the ground or soil in a pot.