Giving Leftover Paper Pulp a Second Life – The Story Behind Our Patch Hearts

For as long as I’ve been making handmade paper, one question has always lingered—what should I do with the leftover paper pulp? No matter how carefully we plan each batch, there are always small amounts left over after production. At first, I simply pressed the excess paper pulp into small balls and let them dry. While my children absolutely loved playing with these paper balls, it didn’t feel like a truly sustainable solution. 

That question kept resurfacing until one day, during a conversation with a fellow papermaker, she shared a brilliant suggestion: storing leftover pulp in the fridge to keep it from drying out. From there, the ideas kept flowing. Sometimes we mixed matching colours into new batches of pulp, effectively recycling them. However, this wasn’t always feasible. At times, we combined similar shades to create new sheets and envelopes, but this process resulted in colours that couldn’t be reproduced and was difficult to manage in between regular production.

Gradually, the concept of Patch Hearts emerged—a quick, creative, and unique solution. They’re easy to make, wonderfully tactile, and even perfect for crafting with children—an experience that’s both sensory and fun, involving squishing, mixing, and shaping. It turned out to be the perfect answer for us.

What Are Patch Hearts?

Patch Hearts are unique, thick paper hearts crafted entirely from leftover paper pulp. Each heart is one-of-a-kind, with distinctive colours, patterns, and textures. Their heavy, almost cardboard-like weight makes them not just beautiful but durable too—perfect for keepsakes, gift tags, or decorative accents.

How Are They Made?

The process of creating Patch Hearts is both intentional and creative. Once we’ve gathered enough pulp balls, we rehydrate them by mixing them back into a smooth slurry. Instead of pulling sheets directly from a vat of water, as we typically do, we carefully shape and arrange the pulp in our mould and deckle. This allows us to play with colours and patterns, creating designs that feel organic yet deliberate.

From there, the process mirrors traditional papermaking. The hearts are couched onto cloth, pressed to remove excess water, and left to dry before being pressed again for a smooth finish. And just like that—each Patch Heart comes to life.

Why We Love Them

What makes Patch Hearts so special is their story. They represent sustainability, creativity, and transformation—turning what might have been waste into something meaningful and beautiful. Each heart carries the marks of the process—its colour variations, patterns, and imperfections make it as unique as the hands that crafted it.

We see these hearts as symbols of love and care, not just for the art of papermaking but also for the planet. By repurposing leftover materials, we’re staying true to our commitment to sustainability while adding something heartfelt and charming to our collection.

Bring Patch Hearts into Your Creative Space

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next project or simply enjoy hearing how handmade items are brought to life, we hope our Patch Hearts spark your imagination. They’ve become a favourite in our workshop, and we can’t wait to see where they’ll go from here.

Now, you can bring their charm into your own creative space! Our Patch Hearts are available as a single piece or a set of five—perfect for gift tags, keepsakes, or unique decorative accents. Click the link below to shop now and give these little hearts a new home.

SHOP HERE

 

Have you ever turned leftover materials into something new? We’d love to hear about your creative projects—share your ideas with us in the comments below or tag us in your work on Instagram!


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