How to make handmade paper with essential oil, lavender and coloured card

1   Tear the paper pulp into small pieces. Moisten it and leave it to soak completely.

2   Whisk the paper pulp to a uniform consistency either with a hand whisk or an electrical hand mixer.

3   Pour the mixture into a tub large enough to fit the paper making frame. Add small pieces of torn card to the mixture.

4   Sprinkle dried lavender into the mixture.

5   Stir the mixture just before use.

6   Hold the frame vertically at the back of the tub. The side onto which the paper will be moulded, should face you.

7   Submerge the frame underneath the pulp horizontally. Push it forwards and backwards until the screen is covered and lift it out of the tub. Let the water drip off. A tip: Sieve the left-over pulp from the water, leave to dry and save it for next time. Never pour it directly into the sink, as it can block the drains.

8   Fold a piece of felt and run it across the underneath of the frame to soak up the water. Squeeze out the water and continue like this until most of the water is absorbed.

9   Turn over the frame and place it with the pulp face down onto a piece of felt.

10   Soak up more water but only press lightly.

11   Carefully remove the paper from the paper making frame mould. Make sure that the pulp section comes away from the frame before lifting it. The drying time varies according to room temperature, but should be between 24-48 hours.

12   Handmade paper with essential oil, lavender and torn pieces of card.