I was wondering whether therewas any plant that we could use to make paper like the Egyptians used Papyrus, and if so, how would you turn it into paper.
Paper
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Nettles are good for making paper. I found this article which more or less explains the process.
http://www.northword.ca/connections/Past_Issue/fall_02/howto.html
http://www.northword.ca/connections/Past_Issue/fall_02/howto.html
Cotton or linen would both work. There is a working demo of small scale hand production at the museum at Wookey Hole. Their website is www.wookey.co.uk
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The major reason that papyrus works to make paper is that the inner stems have a slightly gummy substance ( a kind of starch)that effectively glues the strips together. The inner stems are stripped out of the reeds, soaked in water, and then sliced finely. The slices are laid side by side closely together, then another layer is made but with the slices laid at right angles to the first. They are allowed to set a little and then while still damp, they are beaten until the fibres are flattened and compressed together. Generally the sheet almost doubles in size as it's beaten. The finished sheet is laid under a heavy weight until dry. Then it is rubbed with a round stone until the surface is fine and smooth and ready for use.
A very crude version can be made by just slicing the inner stem and laying it out as before and then simply compressing it for a while.
To use nettles or cotton or linen is really more a papier maché process.
The simplest 'paper', and it's good, and it lasts very well, from native plants, in this country, is made from the inner layers of birch bark.
The inner pith of the native river rush, schonoplectus lacustris can be used almost like papyrus. It's not as big, or quite as sound and it's a bit less securely bound, but it's interesting to have a go
cheers,
Toddy
A very crude version can be made by just slicing the inner stem and laying it out as before and then simply compressing it for a while.
To use nettles or cotton or linen is really more a papier maché process.
The simplest 'paper', and it's good, and it lasts very well, from native plants, in this country, is made from the inner layers of birch bark.
The inner pith of the native river rush, schonoplectus lacustris can be used almost like papyrus. It's not as big, or quite as sound and it's a bit less securely bound, but it's interesting to have a go
cheers,
Toddy
Hemp was used to make paper for years before wood ever was apparently. It really is an amazingly versatile plant.
Matthew.Passmore
Settler
could you peel theskin of a stinging nettle off and sut them togeter and layer it up, or would they not stick together?
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