How to make Paper bricks

 

Its a simple and easy method

 

Process step 1:  Prepare the paper

What to do:         Scrunch each page individually. Make a dry pile on the ground next to you.

What to avoid:    Don't waste time and effort shredding

 

Process step 2:  Soak the paper

What to do:         Put the scrunched paper into a bucket and cover it with water, or start with half a bucket of

                              water and stuff the paper pieces into it. Less water, same effect.

What to avoid:    Don't wait for days, or even hours. You don't need the paper to fall apart. You just need it to be wet and pliable

 

Process step 3:  Pack the brick maker

What to do:         Place the open brickmaker on grassy, flat ground in your garden. Push each little bundle of paper in firmly and

                              flatten it a little so that the other pieces overlap and interlock. They need to be able to 'grab' onto each other when

                              the water is pressed out.

What to avoid:    Don't stress. Just do it. If your first attempt falls apart, you'll have little fire starters and more experience to pack

                              the brick maker more effectively next time.

 

Process step 4:  Place the cover on and prepare to press.

What to do:         Position the metal plate over the top of the wet paper. It should rest just within the black metal frame.

                              Then using only ONE hand, raise and position the metal cross bars. There's a right way and a wrong way for the

                              bars to cross. They should rest 'smoothly' together. If not, alternate their position.

What to avoid:    Don't catch your fingers between the bars. Use one hand, hold the handle, and move each bar individually

                              until you are confident you know how to cross the bars safely..

 

Process step 5:  Press the water out.

What to do:        Use your FOOT - not your hands. Put on a work boot or strong shoe then position your foot directly over the cross.

                             Gently increase the pressure to squeeze the water from the paper.

What to avoid:    Don't jump, bash or break the brick maker. Just step down firmly and evenly where the bars cross. Increase the

                              pressure with your foot, then release it, gently forcing the water out.

 

Process step 6:  Remove the wet brick

What to do:         Open the cross bars and remove the frame that holds your new brick. There is enough flexibility in the base plate

                              to stretch it out a little as you release the brick. Hold the base plate vertically and release the brick onto its side to

                              rest on a flat surface.

What to avoid:    If the water is not running freely enough onto the grass below the brick maker, it might pool on the top.

                             Just pour the water off and press with your foot again until the brick has compressed into a firm and solid shape.

 

Process step 7:  Dry the bricks.

What to do:         You can make these paper bricks at any time during the year, but obviously they will dry faster in summer.

What to avoid:    Don't panic if you need to make more during winter. Stack your wet bricks near your fire - with gaps of air circulating                                             between them and they'll dry within a day or two.

 

Process step 8:  Burn them!

What to do:         It is easy to release a small amount of paper to act as the 'lighting point' on these bricks as you lay them out to dry .

                              When starting a new fire, use a paper brick instead of fire lighters to ignite your wood.

What to avoid:    Never underestimate the warmth and efficiency of a paper brick made this way. You don't need to fill a wood-burning

                              stove with paper bricks the way you'd stuff it with sheets of newspaper.

                              Burn one or two bricks at a time with your vent almost closed and you'll quickly learn how effective they can be. :)