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MAKEWORKS
Papers/Grass & Hay Paper
Grass / ReedModerateSafety: Low Risk

Grass & Hay Paper

Dried lawn clippings, hay, or wheat straw into rustic sheets.

Texture
Coarse, golden-green, fragrant
Yield
≈ 4 sheets per handful

Cook tough grasses or reeds in soapy water until soft, beat to a pulp, and form sheets.

  • ▸Lemon grass, wheat straw, even lawn clippings work.
  • ▸Cooking with washing soda or wood ash breaks down the woody bits.
  • ▸Result is a slightly speckled, golden, hand-made sheet.

Steps

  1. 01

    Chop fiber into 2 cm pieces.

  2. 02

    Cook 2–4 hours in water with 2 tbsp washing soda per litre.

  3. 03

    Rinse very thoroughly until water is clear.

  4. 04

    Blend with plenty of water — grass is short fiber, pulp easily.

  5. 05

    Pull sheets, couch, press, dry.

Materials
4
  • — Dry grass, hay, or wheat straw
  • — Washing soda
  • — Big pot
  • — Blender + mould & deckle

Safety

Low Risk

Mostly hand tools and inert materials. Standard studio hygiene applies.

Quick checklist
  • ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
  • ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
  • ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible

Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.

Notes

Add 20% recycled paper pulp to bind everything together if sheets fall apart.