Homemade paper with Roses

Roses grow beautifully here in my part of Arizona, USA. I have 9 varieties in my yard alone!

Organically grown and lovely. I enjoy making everything from rose water to 

soaps and lotions from my roses for my bath and body products.
Even just sprinkling a handful into a running bath.
But.....

Thought I'd share something different today: Homemade Paper with Roses

I made a fresh batch of paper pulp from recycled paper, then added the roses.

You can add any botanical, or thread or fabric even, to make a really nice textured 

homespun looking paper, or a lovely victorian ensemble. 

Great for use in just about any paper project like special announcements, cards,

gift tags, letters. The possibilities are limitless! I've even seen them cut in rounds and made into

coasters for a really cool table setting. 

Handmade Paper with Roses

I love to make handmade paper using botanicals, expecially roses.  

This lovely yellow rose is from my Lady Banks rose bush that grows in my front yard in Arizona, USA

It blooms one time a year, in April for several weeks. 

It's blooms in clusters and is absolutely stunning to behold when in full bloom.

I wanted to prolong it's beauty, so I made paper from it's blooms.

You can see the small rose petals embedded in this paper.

Making your own handmade paper consists of recycling paper by making it into a pulp, adding botanicals, or spices, or bits of fabric, of your choice, or leaving it plain.  There's room for alot of expression here ! 

I added a dab of liquid starch to this batch so that you could write on it or put it through an injet

printer and the ink would not feather.  

Enjoy.......... Anna