Clare Taylor (Curious Clare) is an Artist Educator based in the East Midlands. In 2016 she founded and now runs Bus and Bird Arts, a participatory arts organisation creatively connecting communities.
Clare is passionate about the importance of creativity both indoors and out. You can contact her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. She shared her seed papers work with us so we can share it with you…
Seed Paper Activity:
In the spirit of sharing and social isolation creativity, here’s an idea for creating handmade seed paper to keep you busy. 🌻
Seed paper is easy to make, looks gorgeous and best of all it flowers when you plant it. How fantastic is that?! 🌻
Step 1 – Shred or rip up paper or thin card (great for recycling too!)
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Step 2 – Soak in a bowl or bucket of water overnight
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Step 3 – Scoop out a soggy handful at a time and blast in a blender. Pour this paper pulp into another bowl. Repeat.
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Step 4 – Scoop some of the paper pulp into a flat tray (cat litter trays are perfect!!!)
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Step 5 – Prepare a surface of an old towel/felt and thin fabric or j cloths.
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Step 6 – Using aluminium modelling mesh (buy online or in car repair shops) or very stiff plastic netting, cut out a simple shape
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Step 7 – Stir a packet of seeds in to the paper pulp mixture.
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Step 8 – Submerge the mesh shape into the pulp.
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Step 9 – Lift up mesh and allow to drip for 30 seconds
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Step 10 – Turn mesh upside down onto one of the cloths and gently press with a sponge to remove excess moisture.
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Step 11 – Leave to dry. The seeds will not have time to germinate – don’t worry!
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Step 12 – Repeat steps 8 to 11 until you are bored or the paper pulp runs out.
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Step 13 – Send to a friend or loved one to plant!
🌻 Cress seeds are ideal as they grow quickly and get children interested, plus you don’t need any soil for them to grow. Any seeds work well and it’s great to encourage bees and butterflies to your plot by using wildflower seeds such as poppies, cornflowers and daisies.
🌻 There are many variables, you can add flower petals or natural dyes for extra pizzazz. You can staple an uncut sheet of mesh to a frame for a larger sheet of paper. You can add threads or string. The list goes on.
we are also happy to print & send to you – contact us here