Budgets are very limiting so instead of buying cotton linter to make pressed paper ornaments, we tear egg cartons into small pieces and soak them in water. Put several scoops into a blender with LOTS of water so you won't burn up the motor. Especially when you have to borrow a friend's blender because you can only find 3 lids, 2 jars, 1 base, but no blades that do the real work~grr... still don't know where that piece is hiding!!
Blend for several minutes until the pieces look like moosh. Most everyone said, "Yuck!"
Drain as much excess water out and plop into the molds. Use a sponge to soak up excess water. Wring it out and repeat. Then use old towels to finger press the pulp into the nooks and crannies so you get a good impression. Repeat with a dry section of the towel. Again and again.
Let the molds dry overnight or in an oven at a very low temperature, 200-225 degrees for several hours. I helped these dry by putting them in the microwave for 1 minute. The molds will get very hot, so be careful.
When they are dry, remove the shape from the mold and paint or decorate. The teapot is just out of the mold and the heart has been painted with a lavender metallic paint. We aren't very fancy because we don't have a lot of time. Ribbons, lace, and little flowers make them even sweeter. Most students wanted to make one for Father's Day, too! I encouraged them to try to things on their own with simple materials found at home--like egg cartons.Happy Mother's Day to all the women in the village. Cherish those children I have for only a short time each day. They are such a gift to me. ♥♫
