Plantable Seed Invitations

This recipe for making plantable seed wedding invitation cards does not make use of chemicals or any other inks or dyes.  Making your own paper from recyclable scraps is easy and good for the environment.  In America, plantable wedding invitations are very popular.  Choose local and indigenous flower seeds like the African daisy or Gerbera; these grow beautifully in a pot or in the garden.

Papers

• Computer paper ( Use Sappi green paper, this has been recycled)
• Magazines
• Toilet paper, tissues and serviettes
• Newspaper
• Craft Paper
• Egg Cartons
• Phone Books
• Yellow Pages

Ingredients:

• Blender or food processor
• Old picture frame
• Sponge
• Kitchen cooking baster
• Stockings or screens
• Staples
• Small Plastic wash bin
• White felt, old dishcloths
• Baking paper or old newspaper

Directions

1. Using the old wooden frame, pull the fabric tightly over the frame, stapling the fabric down at the same time
2. Tear off small pieces of paper and place in the blender until it appears half full.
3. Add warm water, filling the blender.  Blend the paper and water for about a minute or until you cannot see any pieces of paper and a smooth pulp is visible.
4. Fill the wash bin about half full of water and pour in pulp from blender. Add in at least 3 blender loads of paper-more if desired (the more pulp, the thicker the paper). Add in flower or vegetable seeds. Stir the mixture.
5. Slip the frame into the washtub, gently moving it from side to side to get the pulp around to the top of the frame level and to the desired thickness. Let the layer of pulp settle and slowly lift the frame up so it is above water level. Let it drain for a moment and check to see if it is level. Fill the turkey-baster with pulp from the washtub and use it to fill in any uneven spots or gaps in the pulp.
6. After removing the frame from the water, let it drain. When it stops dripping, carefully lay the frame (pulp side down) onto a fabric square or an old dishcloth. Use the sponge to press out as much water as possible (wring excess water back into tub).
7. This step may take some practice to master so be patient. Holding the fabric square flat, slowly lift up and remove the frame. The wet paper should remain on the fabric. If the paper sticks to the screen, you may have pulled too fast or not pressed enough water out of the paper. Once you successfully remove the frame, gently smooth out any noticeable air bubbles or rough edges.
8. Keep repeating steps 4-6 and stack the fabric squares (or dish towels) on a cookie sheet. When finished, place a piece of cardboard on top of the last piece and use bricks or another cookie sheet to press out the remaining water in the stack.
9. Gently separate sheets and dry them on a clothesline or out in the sun for 12-24 hours. When they are dry, gently separate the paper from the fabric squares (or dish towels).
10. For great gifts, use cookie cutters or stencils to trace holiday shapes. Cut them out and attach a ribbon for thoughtful gifts that last beyond the holiday season. Other uses for home made paper include scrapbooks, stationary and note cards, journal or photo album covers, lampshades, etc.

Don't Forget the Instructions for Planting

Tear off bits of paper containing seed and plant directly in the ground-the paper will compost naturally. To pre-sprout the seeds, place dampened paper into a plastic bag and check periodically that paper remains moist. Keep the plastic bag at the appropriate temperature until seeds sprout and transplant them into pots or directly into the garden.

Reference: http://www.sustainable-media.com