A few years ago Cargo, a cosmetics company, started using “seed paper” for the packaging in their Plant Love line. I thought it was the coolest thing ever! Lipstick and weeks later, wildflowers. What else could a girl ask for?

This got me inspired to start using seed paper for all sorts of cards, gift tags, and other crafts. I had been getting my paper from Greenfield Paper, one of the first suppliers of this paper, but soon decided it would be fun to try to make it myself. If you have ever made handmade paper, this project will be a breeze – the process for making seed paper is much the same. First you make your paper pulp, add the seeds and press. This is an eco-friendly craft that is fun for kids and adults alike! Here’s how to make your own seed paper…

Send a note that makes the Earth smile...Plantable cards are fun to make (and get!)

What You’ll Need:

- Paper scraps (You can recycle all sorts of paper materials,  see more here>)

- A Blender or Food Processor

- 2 Large Buckets or Basins (for soaking and cleaning your paper pulp)

- A Strainer

- A Paper Press (see how to make a paper press here>)

- Flower Seeds – I like to use a simple wildflower mix but you could also try any seeds that are small or flat (if they are too bumpy you will have very rough finished paper)

- (Optional) Essential Oils/Fragrance (Rose or Lily would be lovely!) and Water Based Food Coloring or Dye if want to give your finished paper a color or fragrance

Step 1: Loosening The Paper Fibers

Rip your paper material into tiny little bits, toss into your bucket or basin, and cover it with warm water. Allow your paper bits to soak overnight to allow the paper fibers to loosen up and come apart.  You will want to check it and mix it every few hours to further assist the process.

Step 2: Will It Blend? Of course it will! (Creating Your Paper Pulp)

After your mixture has been soaking for about 24 hours, use your blender to mix up small batches of your paper mixture. Do a little at a time so it breaks up better and you don’t have a yucky, papery mess all over your house! You are going for an even looking paper pulp mixture. This blended mixture has a lot of water in it, so after you take it from the blender, you will need to strain the water out then dump it into its holding area (basin #2) until you are ready to put the seeds in,  press, and dry your paper.
Step 3: Adding The Seeds and Color/Fragrance

Mix your seeds and fragrance into the pulp. Use color and fragrance oils very sparingly so you don’t end up with greasy finished paper! Make sure you mix evenly for best results.

Step 4: Pressing Your Paper

Pour your paper into your paper press screen or mold. The size of your press will determine the finished size of your paper. Spread the mixture evenly over the screen, press, and let dry thoroughly.

Once your paper is dry it can be used for note cards, garden party invitations, scrapbooking gifts (expect this paper to be planted so you might want to make it detachable!) and tags. Make sure you include a note on the back about how your recipient can plant your card/gift. Just copy the basic instructions from the back of your seeds.

In a world that can be so hectic, a handmade gift like this can be a wonderful reminder to stop and smell the flowers. :) Enjoy!