: Boil the fibers in water mixed with an alkali like washing soda (sodium carbonate) or caustic soda . This removes lignin and non-cellulose materials that make plants rigid.

: Flip the wet sheet onto a damp cloth (couching) and press out excess water with a sponge or heavy boards. Allow it to air dry for several days.

: Thoroughly wash the cooked fibers in cold water until the water runs clear. 3. Creating the Pulp

: Chop harvested leaves or stalks into small pieces (about 1/2 to 1 inch) to ensure even cooking.

: Use a blender or a manual mallet to break the cooked fibers into a mushy pulp.

To produce handmade "deep" (thick or textured) paper from plant fibers, you must first extract cellulose by boiling plant material in an alkaline solution and then beat it into a pulp that can be layered. 1. Harvest & Prepare Fibers

: Cook for 1 to 3 hours until the fibers pull apart easily when tugged.