NIRIN at Home: Recycled Seed Paper

Paper (any paper around your home that can be recycled such as school notices, letters or envelopes)
Blender
Spatula
Seeds (smaller is better such as tomato, chilli, strawberry, cucumber)
Cooling rack
Screen (fly wire or fine mesh fabric)
Old tea towel

Note: At this point in time, seeds might not be easy to come by. They can usually be purchased in supermarkets or plant nurseries, but you can also prepare your own seeds from any fresh fruit or vegetables you have in the house. Otherwise, skip the seed step and make some beautiful seed-less recycled paper!

1. Rip the paper into small pieces and soak in water for no less than three hours.
2. Pour the paper and the water into a blender and blend into a fine pulp*. You may need to add more water so the pulp can be easily be poured.
3. Position the cooling rack over the sink and place fly wire or mesh on top.
4. Pour the pulp onto the fly wire or mesh and spread evenly with a spatula.
5. Sprinkle seeds and gently push into pulp.
6. Place fly wire or more mesh on top of pulp and cover with a tea towel.
7. Press down gently to remove excess water and to flatten the pulp.
8. Remove the top layer of mesh/wire and leave the pulp outside to dry, preferably in the sun.

*Note: Adult supervision may be needed for this step.

Explore more of Tony Albert's installation Healing Land, Remembering Country at Cockatoo Island.

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