Making seed paper is such a fun project that can be done with kids and it’s a great way to recycle used paper. I love the idea of being able to recycle the paper directly back into the earth. The paper can made year round and can either be planted directly into the ground or in a pot. I used California native wildflower seeds to make ours, but you can use any wildflower seeds that you’d like. Choose paper that is recyclable, such as paper grocery bags, egg cartons, newspaper, printer paper or tissue paper. They take a bit to dry, so make sure you give yourself enough time to finish before you need them. The completed valentine measures approximately 3.5″ x 5″ and I’m using a cookie cutter thats about 2.25″ for the seed paper.

Materials:

– valentine card printable (can be downloaded here.)
– cardstock to print on
– recyclable paper to make the pulp
– wildflower seeds
– food processor or blender
– window screen (you can also buy in store at home depot for the same price)
– towels
– small cookie cutters

Instructions to make seed paper valentines:

Step 1: How to make paper pulp

Rip your paper into small pieces and soak them in a bowl of warm water until they are fully saturated, at minimum for a couple of hours. Prep your work area by placing a towel under the window screen and set aside. After soaking, place the paper into your food processor or bowl and add enough water to cover. Blend into a pulp. The mixture should be thick and mushy.

Step 2: How to add seeds to your paper pulp

Add the seeds to the pulp and mix with your hands or a spoon (do not blend). Squeeze and drain excess water from the pulp. It should not be soupy but still moist. If the pulp is too dry it will crumble and won’t stick together.

Step 3: How to shape your seed paper

Hold your cookie cutter against the screen and spoon some pulp mixture inside. Wrap a towel around your finger and use it to press into all of the crevices and smooth the pulp out to an even thickness. As you press the pulp down, the excess water will also leak through the bottom of the screen and onto the towel underneath. Press out as much water as possible. Gently remove the cookie cutter and repeat until you have your desired number of cutouts.

Step 4: How to finish making your paper

When you are finished, lay the screen to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area. Prop the screen up so that air can circulate underneath. The goal is to dry the paper quickly, otherwise it may begin to sprout. To speed up the process you place the screen near a fan. Let dry overnight. Carefully remove from screen when fully dry.

Step 5: How to assemble valentines

1. Download the printable here and print on cardstock. The first page is the front and the second is the back (print double-sided)
2. Cut out along the dotted line or line border.
3. Attach one plantable seed paper to the front of each valentine using a dab of elmer’s or craft glue
4. Have your child write their name on the front line! Or assist younger children with writing their name and let them draw on the front or back.

Downloads provided on Woodlark Blog are for personal use only. Read more on terms of use here
This post contains affiliate links but all opinions are my own. I only recommend products that I personally use and/or truly love. Read more about affiliate links here.