Episode 117 - The Ultimate Potato Show
Segment #1 - Potato Paper
Activity - Potato Paper

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Potatoes
• Grater
• Newspaper or colored construction paper
• Water
• Measuring Cups
• Blender
• Mold *
• Deckle*
• Plastic dishpan
• Towels
• Sponge
• Iron
• Spray bottle

*Note: The mold used in papermaking is a framed screen that allows the excess water to drain away from the paper pulp sheet that rests on top of the screen. The deckle is a second frame the same size and shape as the mold but without the screen. It helps to produce straight edges on the paper sheets.

LET'S GET STARTED:

1. Place small strips of newspaper or colored construction paper into a mixing bowl and add just enough water to cover the strips.
2. Grate one cup of potatoes with the skin left on.
3. Place the grated potatoes and one cup of soaked newspaper or paper strips into the blender.
4. Pour enough water into blender to cover contents and blend until paper and potatoes turn into mush. Pour into plastic dishpan.
5. Continue this process until you have enough paper mush to fill your dishpan about six inches in depth.
6. Place the deckle on the mold and immerse them into the dishpan, making sure the whole screen is covered with the mush. Lift deckle and mold allowing water to drain through the screen.
7. Remove deckle and flip the mold over onto a towel lying on a hard surface.   The rectangle of mush (now transforming into potato paper) will begin to separate from the mold onto the towel.
8. Sponge the screen on the bottom of the mold to remove excess water.
9. Remove the mold and allow the paper to dry.
10. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of sheets of potato paper.
11. Paper may curl while drying. To flatten, spritz with water and iron on low heat.

Note: Never put pulp down the sink.

OTHER ACTIVITIES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Potato Paper
Potato Paper
Potato Paper Plastic Bottle Lamp
Microwave Potato Chips
Microwave Potato Chips
Burlap
Wire and Burlap Bonsai Tree
Burlap Tree Wall Hanging
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Garlic