Adding color to pulp using tissue paper

by Heidi Reimer-Epp and Mary Reimer
authors of 300 Papermaking Recipes
founders of Botanical PaperWorks papermaking studio.

Many papermakers enjoy adding color to their pulp to create both soft pastel shades and deep vibrant tones. A great way to add color involves using colored tissue paper and with the holidays just passed, many of us have put aside a bag or two of paper, waiting for that "perfect" project. Well, here is that perfect project!

Tissue paper is loaded with pigment and just a few pieces are enough to color a batch of recycled paper or cotton pulp. Tear the tissue paper into pieces of about 3 x 3" and set aside.

Prepare a recycled paper or cotton linter pulp by first tearing it into 1" pieces, then letting soak overnight or for at least one hour. Process a few pieces at a time in a blender three-quarters full of water until smooth, then strain the pulp for two mintues. Four cups of pulp will make about 20 sheets of 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" paper.

For a smoothly colored pulp, soak a few pieces of tissue paper in a cup of water for a few minutes. The water will become colored and the tissue paper will start to break down. Place the soaked tissue paper and colored water into the blender and add 1/2 cup of blended pulp. Process well, pulsing the blender for 5-10 seconds to achieve a smooth, colored pulp. To increase the intensity of color, add more soaked tissue paper and process as described above.

For a chunky pulp, do not soak the tissue paper. Place 1/2 cup pulp into blender and add dry tissue paper. Pulse blender for a second or two, just long enough to incorporate the paper into the pulp but not long enough to break down the chunks. Try combining two or three different colors of tissue paper to make a multicolored chunk paper!

Experiment with different colors and textures of tissue paper and have fun creating one-of-a-kind handmade papers!