How To Make Paper Out Of Mango Extract

The ancient Egyptians first made paper out of the inner core of reeds that grew along the banks of the Nile River. This early paper, known as papyrus, gave its name to modern paper. Today, paper can be made of any material that has been pulped, compressed and dried. In the West, wood pulp is the most common substance used in paper, but in the East, paper may be made of mango leaves. You can use mango extract that is used to flavor food as a dye in your own paper-making project.

Step 1

Shred paper to the consistency of tiny flakes by using a newspaper shredder. Add shredded paper, water and 2 oz. of mango extract to a blender. Blend until the paper is ground to a wet pulp known as a slurry.

Step 2

Create a paper screen by tacking window screen material into a picture frame with thumb tacks. Pour slurry into the screen slowly so that you catch the paper and mango extract, and the water drips through. Stop when you fill the screen.

Step 3

Force water through the screen by rolling over the slurry with a plastic roller or by raking it with a squeegee.

Step 4

Allow all remaining water to evaporate from the screen. The paper and mango left behind will form a clean sheet of paper that is suitable for crafts or writing.

People have been growing mangoes as fruit-bearing trees for years. Mango ranks 1,070 on the Janka scale, which rates wood for density. Because of its sustainability and widespread use, the cost of mango is moderate to inexpensive compared with other hardwoods. Woodworking tools cut mango with ease. Because it can contain pockets of crooked grain, mango may splinter or chip when milled. Chip guards on table saws help prevent splintering and feathering. Spalted mango is a form of decay, and in some instances, softer sections of spalted wood can cause blades to bind, so use caution when working with it and wear a dust mask.