Creating your own paper allows you to control the thickness and strength. Using cardstock or glossy newsprints can make the final product even stronger.
To make "solid" or sturdy paper, you can either or age existing paper to give it a weathered, "vintage" feel like it was made 3 years ago (or even longer). 1. How to Make Sturdy Recycled Paper
: Submerge your paper in a tray of strong coffee or tea for about 5–10 minutes. 3 years ago
: Shred scrap paper (junk mail, cardstock, or egg cartons work well) and soak it in hot water until it’s mushy.
: Use a mold and deckle (a screen frame) to pull the pulp from a water bin. Lift it straight up and let the water drain. Creating your own paper allows you to control
: Crumple the paper into a ball and then flatten it out to create realistic "age" wrinkles. You can also lightly singe the edges with a lighter (carefully!) for a charred look. How to Make Paper Look Old (4 Techniques)
: Use an immersion blender or standard blender to create a "smoothie" consistency. For extra strength, some crafters add a bit of exterior paint or sodium silicate (water glass) to the mix. : Use a mold and deckle (a screen
If you want to make a regular sheet of paper look like it has been sitting in a drawer for years, you can use these aging techniques :