Handmade Cards With Plantable Seed Paper

Prepare the Paper:

• Tear or cut the recycled paper into small pieces and soak it in warm water for several hours or overnight to soften it.
• Blend the soaked paper with a small amount of water until it forms a pulp. You can do this in batches.
• Set out a large container that is wide enough to fit the mould and deckle. Pour the blended pulp into the container. Add water and stir to combine.  Adjust the water quantity for desired thickness; more water yields thinner paper, while less water results in a thicker consistency. 

Create Sheets of Paper:

• Put the mould and deckle together by placing the frame without a net (deckle) over the frame with a net (mould). 
• Hold the mould and deckle firmly together, and while holding it at a 45-degree angle, dip it into the water and pulp mixture, all the way to the bottom of the container. Then lift upward, holding the mould and deckle horizontally. 
• Lift slowly, gently moving mould and deckle from side to side to aid in evening out the thickness of the pulp layer.  
• Once you reach the top of the water, hold the mould and deckle above the container and allow the excess water to drain out. 
• Remove the deckle from the mould and align the long edge of the mould along the edge of the paper towel or cloth in the prepared drying area. Then place the mould face down on the paper towel to transfer the sheet of pulp onto the paper towel for drying. Gently press a towel or sponge over the pulp to remove excess water. 
• Carefully lift the frame/deckle away from the pulp, leaving the paper on the towel or cloth. 
• Sprinkle seeds over the pulp. Be mindful of the seed concentration; you don’t want it to be too dense, as it may affect the paper’s texture. Press gently into the pulp. 
• Scatter small pieces of dried flowers over the pulp, if desired, and gently press down. 

Optional:

To create shapes, press cookie cutters into the mixture. 

Dry the Paper:

• Let the paper air dry completely, which may take a few days to a week, depending on the thickness of the paper and your climate. It is best to dry the paper quickly so the seeds don’t sprout. You can speed up the process by gently pressing the paper with more absorbent towels periodically. 
• Once the paper is dry, gently peel it off the towel or cloth.

• Fold cardstock or heavy paper in half to create the base of your card.
• Cut seed paper into shapes, such as hearts, circles, or squares.
• Apply glue or double-sided tape to the back of the seed paper shapes.
• Carefully adhere the seed paper shapes to the front of the card base.
• Let the card dry completely before handling.
• Use rubber stamps and ink pads to add decorative elements to the card if desired.
• Add personal touches with markers, colored pencils, or other coloring tools.
• Write a heartfelt message on the inside of the card.
• Tie a ribbon or twine around the card for a finishing touch.
• Include instructions on how to plant and care for the embedded seeds.