Essential tool
for papermaking
Aunt Annie's Crafts
Mold and Deckle
What you will make -
The mold and deckle in this project is an essential tool for handmade papermaking presented in the Handmade Paper from Recycled Scraps craft project.
Handmade paper is made with a mold and deckle. The mold is a frame covered with metal or nylon mesh, and the deckle is the frame that sits on top the mold. The paper is formed on the mold and the deckle is used to create straight edges on the paper sheet.
You can purchase a mold and deckle from craft and art supply stores or make one yourself. A mold and deckle can be made from scratch or by using recycled wood picture frames. If you are a beginner just wanting to experiment with papermaking, a mold and deckle can be made from plastic canvas, duct tape, and cardboard. All three options for making the mold and deckle are presented below.
Related craft: Handmade Paper from Recycled Scraps - Make paper by hand from recycled scraps of paper.
This project is rated EASY to AVERAGE to do.
How To Make a Mold and Deckle from Wood
Read all of the steps before starting.
Here's what you need -
- 68 inch (1.7cm) length of ¾ inch (2 cm) square wood
- Nylon or metal mesh—16 or more squares/inch (6 or more squares/cm)
- Non-rusting staples and staple gun
- 8 L-shaped brass plates with screws
- Wood glue
- Varnish
- Paint brush
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Screwdriver
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Step 1: Cut Wood
-
Cut four 8 inch (20 cm) and four 9 inch (23 cm) lengths of wood.
- Step 2: Glue
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Glue the wood together to form two identical 8 inch by 9 inch (20 cm by 23 cm) frames. Reinforce each corner with a brass plate screwed in place.
- Step 3: Sand and Varnish
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Sand any sharp edges and varnish to make water resistant. If you use a water resistant wood, like redwood, skip the varnish step.
- Step 4: Staple Mesh
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Cut a piece of nylon or metal mesh to fit the mold. Staple in place tautly. It is important that the mesh is stretched tight and evenly over the top of the mold.
Go to Handmade Paper from Recycled Scraps craft project.
Make a Mold and Deckle from Picture Frames
Read all of the steps before starting.
Here's what you need -
- Two old, wooden picture frames, no bigger than 8 inch by 10 inch (20 cm by 25 cm)
- Nylon or metal mesh—16 or more squares/inch (6 or more squares/cm)
- Non-rusting staples and staple gun
- Varnish
- Paint brush
- Sandpaper
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Step 1: Clean Frames
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Clean the frames, removing any staples or other hardware.
- Step 2: Sand and Varnish
-
Sand any sharp edges and varnish to make water resistant.
- Step 3: Staple Mesh
-
Cut a piece of nylon or metal mesh to fit the mold. Staple in place tautly. It is important that the mesh is stretched tight and evenly over the top of the mold.
Go to Handmade Paper from Recycled Scraps craft project.
Make a Mold and Deckle from Plastic Canvas
Read all of the steps before starting.
Here's what you need -
- 8 inch (20 cm) by 9 inch (23 cm) rectangle of stiff plastic canvas
- Same size piece of stiff cardboard
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Step 1: Cut Plastic Canvas
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Cut an 8 inch by 9 inch (20cm by 23cm) rectangle of plastic canvas to form the basis of your mold.
- Step 2: Tape Edges
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Cover the edges of the plastic canvas with duct tape.
- Step 3: Cut Cardboard
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Cut an 8 inch by 9 inch (20cm by 23cm) rectangle of stiff cardboard, then cut out
a 6 inch by 7 inch (15cm by 18cm) rectangle from the center. This will leave a frame to
use as a deckle. - Step 4: Wrap in Duct Tape
-
Cover the frame (deckle) with duct tape to waterproof.
Go to Handmade Paper from Recycled Scraps craft project.
Before you start -
- Make a place to work.
- Read all the directions.
- Get everything you need to do the project.
- Think about the project. Imagine how it will look and what you will do with it.
Are you ready?
Okay, get started!!!
Enlarge
Tip: For beginners and kids, make a simple mold and
deckle using plastic canvas, cardboard and duct tape. This mold and
deckle will last for many uses if the cardboard is fully wrapped in the
duct tape to keep it watertight.