Making a Mould and Deckle... for Future Papermaking Projects!

Hey everyone, my name is Cory and I am an artist who makes environmental and ecological inspired artwork. Lately I've been really into paper making... specifically paper made from plants! A few videos back I handmade paper from grass and printed on it! That work was only 6x9 inches, so in the near near future I am planning on revisiting the idea with a slightly new spin and at a much larger scale (somewhere around 3 - 4 feet!).
To get to that goal, I needed to make my own DIY mould and deckle. I decided to make one that would give me 12x12 inch paper because the pieces will eventually make it easier to assemble work that is in 1x1 foot increments (and save space! - a four foot mould and deckle would be awesome but I have to be realistic!).
After a bit of research I decided on the material and plan seen in this video. It's just a simple design, but I hope it is perfect for someone who is learning like myself. I am very happy with the results for my first time!
Coming next, as I build up to one of my next art projects, I plan on testing the mould with recycled paper, experimenting with different printing techniques (like cyanotype on natural paper!), and of course more grass (or plant) paper! I also have some non-paper related art projects brewing!
If you know more about mould and deckles and want to give me any tips, please do!
Stay tuned for more nature inspired art and BIG thank you to any one watching, commenting, subscribing, or just reading this!
Materials and tools I used in this video:
1x2x8 furring strip boards
Fiberglass window screen
Staplegun
Wood glue
(8) Screws
Beeswax (or any other water repelling sealer)
Miter saw
Tape measure
Square
Drill (with counter sink bit)
Clamps
Masking Tape
A Pencil!
Most of the tools and materials I had already, but I did have to buy the furring strip board and screen. For anyone curious, it cost me about $16 and I have lots of screen leftover!
Artist Instagram:
/ corym.art
My website:
corymorrisonart.com

[@darylhickey836]

This is great! Thank you so much!

[@eclectictreasures955]

Great thanks!

[@VanNessy97]

So a broken window screen will work?

[@buenacg]

Nice work. I’m getting ready to do some paper making with my daughters elementary class. I think the wax will probably work well. I’ve made some hardwood cutting boards and conditioned them with a mix of beeswax and mineral oil. Has the Gorilla wood glue held up?

[@corymart]

The beeswax did a great job at protecting the wood so a nice wax + mineral oil paste wax should do the same trick (easier application too!). And yes, the gorilla wood glue has held up fine so far. I will say, after making 20ish sheets of paper back to back, this type of cheaper window screen started to loosen up just a bit. I didn't mind tightening up the screen with a few extra staples, but duct tape and glue around the screen edge helps, or even a stronger screen altogether. I'm just a fan of being cheap and simple! Best of luck on the project!

[@Sam.Telden]

6:56 on what degree did you set the oven and how long did it take to warm to wood up enough without burning it?

[@christopherlyons7613]

Thanks for the video. I'm getting ready to make some moulds & deckles and found your approach pretty simple and interesting. I have a few questions and comments. Why did you go with straight corners vs mitering them? Just seems like it would be more secure with mitered corners. I really think using an aluminum mesh would be much more secure and easier to install accurately than fiberglass mesh. I know you said you were just seeing how the fiberglass would work but, moving forward, do you think a stronger mesh would give you better results? You can use a 50% mixture of PVA glue and water to use as a water sealer. Have you ever tried that? In general, are there any design changes you would make if/when you make another build? Appreciate any comments. Thanks.

[@corymart]

Hey Christopher, you’re absolutely correct on just about everything you’ve said! Mitered corners, a good aluminum mesh, and a specialized adhesive would take this deckle and mould to the next level. (You’d honestly get even more life out of it!). The purpose of this specific project was for me to use the most basic materials at hand with the most basic steps to build. The end result is actually quite good! But doing what you said would take this basic beginner deckle and mould and make it into something that could likely last an artist their whole career! I do plan to make changes to this design (and have off camera for now) that make it better. So far though, just learning as I go! Sounds like you have a good idea on where to run with this idea! Thanks for your comment!

[@christopherlyons7613]

@@corymart Thanks. Hoping my design will make them lasting and provide a bit better results. One additional question, what is the width of the furring strips you used? And do you think going with a pressure treated lumber might give them a better seal when constently being submerged I to the pulp mixture?

[@1FISH]

@@christopherlyons7613 Did you ever make your design?

[@kimcasault2582]

How’s the beeswax holding up?

[@johnproffitt3272]

A urethane seal would have been a lot less work and a lot more permanent than beeswax

[@hawks9142]

But not nearly as fun

[@johnabardenhagenjr1119]

You should not be using sharp tools