How to make paper for gifts and crafts

How to make paper for gifts and crafts

Papermaking is a fun and easy craft, suitable for gift-giving, that uses simple materials that can be found around the house.
Whether you want to recycle, create your own unique stationery or make a gift with a personal touch, papermaking is a fun and easy craft. In order to make your own paper, you will need water, a tub or sink, paper scraps, starch or glue, a blender or food processor, a screen and pieces of cloth.

PAPER SCRAPS
Any of the following can be ripped into small pieces and used to make paper pulp:

• Computer paper
• Newspapers
• Paper towels
• Tissue
• Paper bags
• Napkins
• Typing paper
• Magazines
• Construction paper
• Light cardboard
  
  The texture and color of your final product will depend on the make-up of the paper scraps used in the pulp.
  You can also include decorative materials in your paper like:
• Colored thread
• Small bits of foil
• Dried flowers, leaves and herbs
  This is your chance to really experiment to make a unique craft or gift.
  
  SCREEN
  The most common screen used in papermaking is a wooden frame with a piece of wire mesh screen stapled to it. It is possible to use any material for the frame, as long as you can securely attach the screen to it. A simpler alternative is to bend a clothes hanger into a rectangle or square and slip a pantyhose leg over it.
  
  DIRECTIONS
  1. Tear the scrap paper into small pieces and fill the blender or food processor about half full. Add warm water. Blend until the mixture looks smooth and there are no individual pieces of paper left.
  2. Fill the tub or sink with warm water and then add the paper mixture. Mix it together thoroughly. Add a little bit of glue or starch - this will help make it so that inks don't bleed, making the paper better for writing.
  3. Put your screen into the paper pulp, letting the mixture settle on top of it. Shake it back and forth a little for more even coverage.
  4. Lift the screen out of the tub, keeping it level. If the texture of the paper doesn't look right, you may want to add more water or blended paper to your tub and try again. A little experimenting will help you learn how thick the mixture should be for the type of paper you want. Press as much water as possible out of the paper pulp.
  5. Lay a piece of fabric or felt on a flat surface. Flip the screen over onto the fabric, and transfer the paper to the fabric. Place another piece of fabric over the paper and squeeze out any excess water by hand or with a rolling pin.
  6. Repeat this process for as many sheets of paper as you wish to make.
  7. Leave your paper out to dry. When it is completely dry, peel the paper off the fabric. You may want to iron the pieces of paper to remove any final dampness and to flatten them out a little more.
  8. If you are making the paper for yourself, it's ready to use. You can cut it to size or trim off any rough edges, although it's often the roughness of homemade paper that makes it so unique. If you want to give your paper as a gift, bundle it together and tie it attractively, perhaps with a nice pen attached.

Grill Accessory Guide: Dress Up Your Grill And Your Feast With Accessories!

Grill Accessory Guide: Dress Up Your Grill And Your Feast With Accessories!

As important as the grill itself, are the accessories that go with it! Even the most experienced barbeque pros are nothing without their special accompaniments. Feel like a rotisserie meal tonight with friends? How about some ribs slow cooked on a Rib Rack? No problem. Check out our wide selection of accessories ranging from tool sets to thermometers. With these great pieces, you can feel like a grill pro in your very own backyard!

Rotisseries : Rotisseries are by far the most popular accessory among grilling enthusiasts. Rotisseries have been around since the dawn of time. The reason they are so popular among BBQ crowds is because they create tender, succulent meat every time. The meat is roasted, not grilled but it is just as healthy. There are two basic kinds of rotisseries: the rotisserie used over an outdoor grill and the freestanding indoor rotisserie. They are made up of 3 basic componenets which include a spit / rod to place the meat on that rotates it, a motor to turn the rod and a heat source. This source is typically either charcoal, gas or electric. The price for a rotisserie ranges from about $39 for the most basic to $705 for higher end models.

Grilling Tool Sets : A quality tool set can be an essential element to your grilling experience. Larger grill sets contain from 5-18 pieces. The basic tools included in all grill tool sets are the fork, spatula, tongs and grill brush. Other popular grilling tools are tongs for flipping food and moving coals or grates, multiple brushes for basting and cleaning, skewers for shish kebabs and a much needed thermometer to check the internal temp of your food to make sure it is done just right. Prices for tool sets range from $20-$218.

Rib Racks : Rib racks are a great, convenient accessory for creating exceptionally delicious ribs or poultry any time. It can be difficult to cook many ribs at one time simply by laying them on the grill. With a good steel rib rack, just slide the ribs in to their spot and start grilling. It is recommended by the pros to smoke ribs for the most tender outcome, yet grilling is a great option also. Just make sure you set aside a few hours for them to become moist and delicous!

Side Burners : Contemplating whether or not you could use an extra Burner? Maybe a side burner for warming up side dishes while your main course is cooking? Or perhaps you will just feel secure in knowing you have an extra on hand incase a burner goes out and your guests are wating. Whatever your situation, we have many burners to choose from. Before purchasing an extra, make sure to locate your grill's make and model and purchase accordingly.

Fun Stuff : Grill Accessories are the best way to dress up your meal. While not all are deemed completely essential, they sure are handy and fun to have around. Go ahead, you've already bought the Grill. Grill accessories take your grilling experience to a whole new level. Try out a Pizza Stone for a new twist on an old favorite. Or how about some Bamboo Skewers for an authentic Thai Grilling Evening. All of our accessories are state of the art. Should you have any questions, don't hesistate to give our trained customer service team a call, we're here to help 7 days a week!