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MAKEWORKS
Papers/Pine Needle Paper
Plant FiberModerateSafety: Low Risk

Pine Needle Paper

Forest-floor needles cooked into a fragrant rustic sheet.

Texture
Coarse, fragrant, golden-brown
Yield
≈ 3 sheets per double-handful

Forest needles are simmered to break down resin, blended, and pulled into rustic sheets.

  • ▸Smells like a pine forest while you cook.
  • ▸Resin makes them tough — long cooking is essential.
  • ▸Mix with recycled pulp if sheets crumble.

Steps

  1. 01

    Chop needles into 1 cm pieces.

  2. 02

    Cook 3–4 hours in washing-soda water — needles are resinous and tough.

  3. 03

    Rinse very well; blend in short bursts with extra water.

  4. 04

    Mix with recycled pulp if needed for cohesion.

  5. 05

    Pull, couch, press, and air-dry.

Materials
4
  • — Dry pine needles
  • — Washing soda
  • — Blender + mould & deckle
  • — Optional: 25% recycled paper pulp

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

Smells like the forest as you make it. Extra simmering helps remove pine resin.