Crafts from the Garden - How to make seed paper

socialharvest
Oct 15
3 min read

Jasmine Slatch | October15, 2025

There is something magical about turning scraps into new life. Seed paper is a fun, eco-friendly craft that recycles old paper and gives it a second purpose: growing plants! Whether you want to make greeting cards, gift tags, or just a creative weekend project, making seed paper is a simple, hands-on way to connect with your garden even when you're indoors. Plus, it’s a great way to share the joy of growing with others.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make your own seed paper step-by-step using materials you likely already have at home and seeds straight from your garden.

Image source: Social Harvest’s Seed Paper Making Workshop — *Image source:* *Social Harvest’s Seed Paper Making Workshop*

What is seed paper?

Seed paper is handmade paper that has seeds embedded into it, meaning when you plant it, it grows! It’s made by blending recycled paper into a pulp, mixing in seeds, and then spreading and drying it into new sheets. Once dry, you can write or print on it just like regular paper.

People use seed paper for all kinds of creative and eco-friendly projects; Greeting cards, Gift tags, Bookmarks, Wedding or event invitations, Eco-packaging and promotional materials, etc.

What makes it special?

It’s sustainable! It gives new life to used paper, reducing waste, and it turns into plants instead of ending up in a landfill. It's compostable, biodegradable, and garden-friendly—especially when made with seeds for native flowers, herbs, or pollinator plants. Every piece of seed paper is a small, beautiful step toward a greener planet.

Let's get started! Here're the material you'll need:

Used paper (scrap paper, newspaper, or cardboard)
Blender or food processor
Bowl
Water
Fine mesh strainer or screen
Towel or sponge
Seeds (small and hardy ones like wildflowers, basil, calendula, or marigolds)

Step 1: Shred the paper

Tear your paper into small pieces or shred it and soak it in water for a few hours or overnight.

Step 2: Blend into a pulp

Use a blender to turn the soaked paper into a pulpy mixture. Add more water if needed.

Step 3: Add seeds

Gently mix in your chosen seeds. Be sure not to blend them, as that could damage them.

Step 4: Form the paper

Pour the pulp onto a screen or strainer and spread it out evenly. You can add some extra seeds on top of the pulp now if desired. Use a towel or sponge to press out excess water.

*Social Harvest’s Seed Paper Making Workshop*

Step 5: Dry it out

Let your seed paper dry completely. This can take 24 - 48 hours depending on thickness and weather. Speed up drying with a fan or in a sunny spot.

Step 6: Cut and Use

Once dry, you can cut the paper into shapes or sizes for cards, gift tags, or whatever you’d like!

Tips for success:

Use seeds that don’t require deep planting.
Avoid glossy or heavily inked paper.
Store finished seed paper in a cool, dry place.

How to plant seed paper:

Tear into pieces or plant whole.
Lay flat on soil, cover lightly with a thin layer of soil, water gently, and keep moist until sprouts appear.

Crafting seed paper is more than just a fun DIY - it’s a gentle reminder that sustainability can be beautiful. By reusing paper waste and sharing the potential of seeds, you’re helping reduce waste and grow something meaningful. Whether you plant it yourself or gift it to someone else, seed paper is a craft that keeps on giving, literally growing into new life.

So next time you’re surrounded by garden clippings and paper scraps, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy planting and crafting!

Have you grown herbs before?