Fiber: particles of variable length which hold paper together and determine texture. Long fibers make strong paper, while short fibers create smooth texture.

Sizing: any variation of glues, bleaches and chemical additives used to make paper. These additives help bond paper fibers and help improve texture and quality.

Pulp: a solution of fibers, sizing and decorative additions that make up a piece of paper.

Hand press: a metal plate with a screw mechanism that lowers the metal plate and compresses whatever's beneath it.

2torial #0697: Learn2 Make Homemade Paper (Continued) Find the fibers The paper that you'll make is essentially a mesh of plant fibers pressed together to make a strong flat surface. The ingredients you choose will determine the look and quality of the paper. Gather enough fiber to create a few sheets of paper. This need only be a cupful (1/4 liter) of paper scraps, loosely packed, per standard sheet. It's good to have extra raw material on hand in order to experiment with thickness and quality. Expect to lose the equivalent of a page or two of material in the process. Use old paper that has interesting texture. Tear a piece of it-- does it rip cleanly or leave a jagged edge? The harder to tear, the longer the fibers are in the paper. Long fibers create strong paper. Short fibers create smooth texture. Interesting yet durable paper balances these two ingredients.   Optional: Lint from clothes-dryer lint trap is ideal paper fodder. Small flowers and leaves, bits of foil (from leftover holiday paper and champagne bottles) and colored threads also add a special touch. Grab anything you can shred and that floats. But use these specialty items sparingly, otherwise the page won't hold together. Step 2