You can also make the paper out of wide grasses, like river reeds. Choose a papyrus plant with a strong, healthy stalk, as this is what you’ll turn into paper.
Use strong scissors or pruners.
You can also use scissors if you don’t have a sharp knife available. Have someone help you with the peeling process if you are uncomfortable with using a sharp knife for slicing.
The best strips typically come from the center of the plant. The lowest quality comes from the outermost layers. It is also an option to cut away from your body if you don’t feel comfortable cutting towards your body. You can cut the strips into smaller pieces if you want to make smaller sized paper.
The strips should turn flexible and transparent.
A smooth, non-tiled countertop or a sturdy table will work.
In the past, papyrus strips were pounded with a hard object to remove the excess water.
Cover the papyrus strips with a second sheet of linen cloth once you have weaved them together.
You can put heavy books on top of the boards if the boards aren’t very heavy.
During this time, the sugars within the papyrus will fuse together. If you are pressed for time, you can use the rolling pin to flatten the paper.
A smooth stone will work as well. Do not rub with too much force or you could rip the paper.
You can make a notebook out of the sheets of paper you’ve just made.
The paper towel will be the base layer of the papyrus.
Pour 1 cup (240 mL) each glue and water if you plan on making 2 sheets of paper.
You should use 4 brown paper bags if you plan to make 2 sheets of paper. Tearing the strips is better than cutting them because the ripped edges will fuse together better and give you a smoother surface.
Run the strips between your index and middle fingers to remove any excess glue. Like with papier mâché, you want the strips to be saturated, but not dripping.
Make sure that the top and bottom edges are aligned. You don’t want them to be off-set or crooked.
For a more authentic look, you can weave the horizontal strips over and under the vertical ones, just like making a basket or woven rug.
Start in the middle of the paper and work your way outward towards the edges. Move your hands apart horizontally first, then vertically.
The paper towel will likely be stuck to the back of your papyrus, which is fine; it is in the back. If you are pressed for time, you can speed the process up with a hairdryer.
