Megan Proctor

As part of Pratt Institute's Earth Action Week 2023, the School of Design and the Writing Department hosted a handmade paper making demonstration and writing ritual in the Institute's Dye Garden.

A student worker in the dye garden passes around a sample of seed paper, which was made with recycled paper pulp and flower seeds.

A student worker demonstrates how to turn the recycled paper sheets into pulp.

Participants take turns making their own sheets of seed paper.

A participant sponges the excess water off of the seed paper, which will then be laid out to dry on towels.

A participant takes a photograph of the seed paper.

Participants were also joined by a furry friend, who oversaw operations during the event.

Participants plan out what they will write on their seed paper sheets.

After their planning session, seed paper is handed out to the participants for the final writing exercise.

A collection of flowers were also handed out to participants, all of which were edible.

Participants rubbed the flowers on their cheeks.

Spirits were high as participants documented the process for themselves and friends.

For the final portion of the event, participants planted their seed papers into beds.

Each paper was carefully laid out before being covered with dirt and hopefully sprouting the following spring.