Tutorials & Guides

There is something undeniably romantic about a deckle edge. That soft, feathered border tells your guests that their invitation didn't just come off a mass-production printer—it was crafted by hand.

If you’re dreaming of a high-end, artisanal wedding look but want to stay eco-friendly and on-budget, making your own paper is the ultimate DIY project. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use the Paperry A5 Papermaking Kit to create stunning, professional-grade invitations.

The Supplies You’ll Need

  • A Paperry Mould and Deckle (We recommend the A5 size for standard invitations).

  • Paper Scraps: High-quality white office paper or heavy cardstock scraps work best.

  • A Blender: To create your paper pulp.

  • A Large Vat: A plastic tub slightly larger than your mould.

  • Couching Cloths & Sponges: Included in all our Paperry kits.

  • Optional: Dried flower petals or gold leaf for a "Botanical" look.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pulp

Tear your recycled paper into small pieces (about 1-inch squares) and soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes. Blend the soaked paper with plenty of water until it reaches the consistency of a thick smoothie.

Pro Tip: For wedding invitations, add a tiny splash of white acrylic ink or "internal sizing" to the blender. This ensures that when you write or print on the paper later, the ink won’t "bleed" into the fibers.

Step 2: Pull the Sheet

Fill your vat with water and pour in your pulp. Stir it well. Hold your Paperry Mould and Deckle firmly together, dip it into the water at a 45-degree angle, and level it out.

As you lift the mould out of the water, give it a slight shake (back and forth, side to side). This "lock" the fibers together, creating a strong, even sheet. This is where the magic happens: the edge where the frame meets the screen creates that beautiful, feathered deckle edge.

Step 3: Couching (The Transfer)

Remove the top frame (the deckle). Place your wet sheet face-down onto your couching cloth. Use your sponge to press firmly on the back of the screen, soaking up excess water. Carefully lift the screen—your new invitation should stay perfectly on the cloth!

Step 4: Drying & Pressing

Once your sheets are dry, they might have a slight "wave" to them. To get them perfectly flat for printing, place them between two heavy books for 24 hours.

How to Print on Handmade Paper

Can you print on handmade paper? Yes!

  • Inkjet Printers: Most rear-loading inkjet printers handle handmade paper beautifully.

  • Letterpress & Foil: If you want a luxury look, handmade paper is the gold standard for letterpress.

  • Calligraphy: Handmade paper loves high-quality nibs. Because our kits create a fine-grain surface, your pen won't snag.

Why DIY Your Invitations?

By making your own paper, you aren't just saving money—you're ensuring your wedding stationery is 100% unique and zero-waste. Plus, the "Paperry" process becomes a beautiful memory of your wedding planning journey.