12 build guides for every piece of papermaking gear — from a 10-minute embroidery hoop mould to a serious bolt-and-plywood press. All from thrift-store frames and hardware-store parts.
The classic beginner build — two thrift-store frames and a square of window screen.
Art-store canvas stretcher bars make a stronger, longer-lasting mould.
A wooden embroidery hoop makes instant round paper.
Any flat tub larger than your mould — no special equipment.
Old wool blankets, towels, or cotton sheets — what wet sheets get pressed onto.
The cheapest press in the world — heavy books and two boards.
A real adjustable press for serious papermaking.
Any kitchen blender will do — but treat it right.
For traditional fibers — kozo, lokta, bamboo, milkweed — a blender won't work. You need to beat.
Where freshly pressed sheets go to dry flat and smooth.
Stackable mesh trays — dry 20 sheets in the footprint of one.
A thrift-store pasta roller is a real intaglio press for the price of takeout.