Seed paper

[moistangel]

For DS's first birthday, I want to make the favors with seed-paper. The kind of paper you can "plant" afterwards... anybody have any idea where I can find some good resources on how to make it?

TIA!

(I hope this is written in the right forum!)

[4evermom]

It seems you should just be able to mix seeds into the paper pulp. I've been wanting to try this myself. I suppose you want to have the seeds be wet as little as possible, so they don't sprout, and include planting instructions based on the type of seeds used.

[moistangel]

Thanks for the advice. I had given up hope of anyone ever replying lol.

I was wondering: do you think birdseed could be used?

[4evermom]

I would think birdseed would be a little riskier for sprouting potential since it isn't processed for growing. I know people have the problem of plants growing under their birdfeeder, though. Would the birdseed mix have plants that people would find desirable and also that would have the same growing needs? I think I would want to either use a wildflower mix or make my own mix of plants that need the same growing conditions. Actually, I think I would just use one type because the plants will need to be thinned or divided after they become established and I hate not knowing which plant is which when they are little. The paper would look pretty with flower petals in it.

Or were you thinking birdseed for feeding birds?

[moistangel]

For feeding them, yes actually.

I just... I don't want DS's birthday to be this big disposable affair. I'm already angsting over Christmas and gift wrap but everyone in our family says babies love wrapping paper and I don't want to rob him of that fun... aah.

[4evermom]

What about the rolling pinecones in peanut butter then birdseed thing? There is probably a non peanut butter alternative if you have allergy concerns. I've heard of people who make cloth gift bags to reuse, just simple ones tied closed with ribbon. Something to think about when holiday fabric goes on sale. Yes, little ones enjoy the wrapping, especially stuff like colored cellophane, but they are very happy with the boxes, too, and it's not like they will be dissapointed to be deprived of sitting in a large pile of trash. You also don't want your baby mouthing all that dyed paper if he's the mouthy sort. I get annoyed when people encourage ds to rip the paper quickly off presents, when his tendency is to open them carefully and I will reuse the paper if it isn't torn and crumpled.

[moistangel]

See, that's what I told my husband. He can't miss what he hasn't had, right?

...

So tough. I'm waiting on a HUGE order from Dharma. I bought tons of playsilks so I could wrap all my gifts in them instead of paper. I was even thinking of making some "crinkly" blankets for DS - to be used as wrapping paper so he gets the crinkly fun...

My son IS the mouthy sort. You name it, it goes in his mouth.

I totally appreciate your tips, btw!