DIY Seed Paper (adapted from the Spruce Crafts)
If you don't know what seed paper is, it's flower/vegetable/herb seeds that have been infused into scrap paper. All you have to do is plant the paper in a little soil with water and beautiful plants will sprout. Turn this seed paper into gift tags or greeting cards and watch the recipient's face light up. These are super easy to make and are so much fun to plant!
What You'll Need:
*EQUIPMENT/TOOLS:
*Blender
*Mixing bowl
*Plastic wrap or parchment paper
*Cookie cutters (optional)
*Paper towels or cloth
*Hairdryer (optional)
MATERIALS:
*2 parts water
*1 part paper
*Plant seeds of your choosing (We love Marigolds, Zinnias, Thyme, Basil, Celosia, Bachelor Buttons, & Calendula, as they are super easy to grow)
Instructions:
1. Make the Seed Paper Pulp
Tear the paper into small pieces, and place it in the blender. Then, add twice as much water as paper. (For example, if the paper reaches the 1 cup mark on the blender, add 2 cups of water.) Blend the paper into a pulp, and then transfer it to the mixing bowl. Squeeze the water from the pulp, and make sure there aren't any large chunks of paper in it.
Next, add a handful of seeds to the paper pulp. The number of seeds required will depend on the type of seeds you use and the finished effect you are looking for. For instance, if you have somewhat large seeds you might not want to use that many of them. Or perhaps you prefer for the paper to be dotted with many seeds.
Mix the seeds into the pulp using your hands or a spoon. Don't use the blender, which can damage the seeds.
2. Press the Seed Paper Pulp Into Shape
If you are using cookie cutters as molds to make specific paper shapes, place them onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Then, press the paper pulp firmly inside the cookie cutters for even coverage, and remove the cookie cutters.
If you aren't using cookie cutters, simply press the paper pulp on plastic wrap or parchment paper into your desired shape. Try to spread the pulp fairly thin, as a thick layer will take longer to dry. Use a paper towel or cloth to press as much water as possible from the pulp.
3. Leave the Paper to Dry and Finish as Desired
Drying the seed paper quickly is essential. Otherwise, the seeds might start to sprout. Place the seed paper in a warm environment, and ensure that air can circulate around it. Blowing the seed paper with a hairdryer on the cool setting or setting a fan near it can help it to dry.
When the seed paper is thoroughly dry it can be finished as desired. For instance, you can decorate it with stamps or writing utensils.
Tips for Making Seed Paper:
Press rubber stamps into the surface of the wet seed paper pulp before leaving it to dry. This can give an interesting texture to the paper and create an attractive, custom finishing touch. It's best to use a simple stamp versus one with many details, as all of the details might not show on the rough paper surface.
Keep the seed paper trimmings when you cut it into your preferred shape. These can be used as a natural, eco-friendly confetti for an outdoor party or simply packaged in a small bag to give as a gift to a gardener.
Now is the perfect time to make your seed paper so you can give your crafts to someone before it's time to plant in the spring. Include planting directions with your seed paper so it will go easy for the person you are giving it to. We hope you love this DIY as much as we did. Be sure to tag us @byrobincreations with all your seed paper crafts!
