Common paper such as newspaper does not contain cloth fibers like rag paper, but is an ingredient for making rag paper.
The first papers utilized plant materials and cloth fibers. According to Robert C. Williams Paper Museum, historical records show that paper was invented in China by Emperor Ts'ai Lun in 105 A.D, but it may have actually been invented 200 years earlier. Hemp rags were combined with tree bark for common paper, while royalty closely guarded its manufacturing secrets of fine paper made from vegetable fibers. Today rag paper is distinguished from regular paper because it contains fabric such as cotton. To make your own rag paper at home, you will need a few supplies that you can find around the house.
Newspaper
To create rag paper at home, you will still need to use paper. Newspaper is ideal for this project. You can easily find this supply, and it breaks down easily into pulp. For this project tear the newspaper into quarter size pieces and put them into a bucket.
Lint
Lint will provide the fabric fibers for your rag paper project. Lint forms from the clothes dryer as the heat and the tumbling is slowly breaking down the clothing. Lint breaks down easier for this project than using real rags. Collect 1 cup of lint per 1/2 gallon of torn newspaper scraps for this rag paper craft. After you tear up the paper, add the clothes dryer lint to the bucket. Cover the paper and lint with warm water in the bucket and soak it overnight.
Blender
After soaking the paper and lint, place one cup of the water-paper-lint mixture into a blender with just enough additional water to cover. Blend it until it is pulpy. It should take about 2 minutes to blend. Pour it into a large bowl and continue this process until all the paper and lint is blended.
Screen
Pour the watery pulp over a screen. You can use an old window screen for this project. Screens were commonly used to create paper in Italy in the Middle Ages, according to Museo della Carta e della Filigrana. Press down with your fingers to remove excess water and evenly distribute the material. Flip the screen onto a damp towel while holding the paper with the towel in one hand. You may need an assistant to flip it. Place a dry towel on top and add heavy books. Allow the rag paper to dry overnight.
Tags: this project, paper lint, breaks down, cloth fibers, clothes dryer, create paper, home will