Seed paper is a type of handmade paper that contains plant seeds. It’s made with recycled paper such as newspapers, magazines or envelopes and can be turned into cards, bookmarks, gift wrap or whatever your imagine can come up with. Once the paper is planted the seeds will sprout. Instant garden! This fun, easy activity is eco-friendly and made with simple materials. You can customize your seed paper by creating designs or adding colour to the papers.

Things you will need

• Scrap paper: can be from newspaper, magazines, old cards, flyers, etc.
• Seeds: must be flat and small. It is best to use native seeds. Check with your local field naturalist club for ideas.
• Water
• Scissors or paper shredder (or tear by hand)
• Blender
• Old frame
• Mesh screen
• Staples or tacks
• Container large enough to submerge your frame
• Towels or paper towels

Step 1: Shred and soak the paper.
Shred the paper into thin strips using your hands, scissors, or a shredder. Soak the paper in warm water for a couple hours. It is easy to just leave the paper soaking overnight.

Step 2: Blend the paper.
Put the soaked paper in the blender, fill the blender halfway with fresh water then blend until the mixture is soupy. If you would like to add food colouring to colour your paper, now is the time.

Step 3: Make the paper frame.
Attach the screen onto the frame using staples or tacks and place the screen at the bottom of the large container so that the screen side is down.

Step 4: Turn the blended pulp into paper.
Pour the blended pulp into the large container and mix in seeds. Slowly raise the screen out of the pulp so the water may drip from it. When the screen no longer drips, gently pat the pulp to let more water drain out then place upside down on the towel with the pulp side down. Take the sponge, another towel, or paper towel and dab the screen to remove excess water. Slowly remove the screen and leave set to dry for at least 24 hours. A heavy object may be placed on the paper for the last couple hours to flatten it.

Step 5: Make it your own!
Decorate and cut the paper as you please. Here are some ideas:

Step 6: Plant the paper and enjoy your garden.
Bury the paper under about half an inch of soil and place in a location which gets good sun. Water the soil lightly every day until the seeds sprout.