How can I make my own photo paper at home and how can i develop it?

Question

I would like to make photo paper at home preferably out of natural materials and also develop it. I'm doing with my little cousin so I want the procedure to be kid-friendly.
I am using a pinhole camera which I made.

Answer 1

I am not certain about your age, but let me say that if what you mean by "natural materials" is "non-toxic chemistry" then I suggest you not make your own photo paper, or develop it for that matter, especially if there is a kid around. That said, it really isn't all that hard to make black and white photo paper, and the absolute easiest way to make your own photo paper is with what is called liquid emulsion which can be purchased at any well stocked camera shop/darkroom supply store in fact here is a link where you can buy it http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=45028 Liquid emulsion works on just about any surface though I personally like using it on cold press watercolor paper which has been sized ( you can learn more about sizing at alternativephotography.com).
If you choose not to go with liquid emulsion, I would suggest making either albumen, or salt print papers all of which you can find out how to make and develop on this website http://www.alternativephotography.com/process.html
In terms of these procedures being kid friendly, you have to understand that the production of all black and white film or paper includes the photo sensitive chemical silver nitrate which is toxic,and can kill if ingested in sufficient quantity, please read the MSDS here http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/SI/silver_nitrate.html Also, in terms of the development process: the developer, stop and fix baths are all toxic to some degree or another. Again these chemicals can be purchased at any professional photo store though personally I like to shop at photographerformulary.com

Answer 2

Okay, first you really need to know what you're doing. Secondly, you have to buy professional photo paper and the chemicals to develop pictures. Thirdly, you would need a dark room and chemical baths to develop the photos. Lastly, it isn't kid friendly. The chemicals are out-right dangerous.
Just stick with having fun with the pin hole camera and going to pick up your developed pictures at the pharmacy on Saturday with your cousin. You'll get over your head trying to do at home.