Handmade Paper: First Try Soak

To be clear here,

this is my first attempt to make homemade paper, using strips of old cotton or any material 

for that matter.

I am not using instructions.

This method is based on what I have read about the process from various sources (none in particular).

When cutting up the strips, do it over a bowl pointing the cut edge downward into the bowl. 

If you don't, then the cut bits

can pop out into the room.

The bowl I am using is

hard plastic. It is smaller than I want, but it is good enough to act as the mortar I will use to pound the soaked cotton 

into, I hope, slurry.

The next step will be about the slurry making.

 

Later this afternoon, as a thunderstorm system passes over darkening the sky, a few notes.

I pounded a very small amount using a marble mortar and pestle to see how the fibers react. For sure, it will take a considerable amount of pounding to turn the cotton into slurry.

Splashing as I pounded was an issue.

And one more thing, I don't remember the last time doing an art project I felt like such a clumsy slob. Threads and bits of cotton everywhere, Water all over my shirt.