How can I call the bubbly paper a failure?  ;)  

If I'm more careful keeping the mold and deckle together under water, that will remove the bubbles. (I think. Or maybe it was the flipping?) A few times I got the right thickness but still tore the paper. 

I just need some more practice. Thankfully I have another bin of paper for recycling. 

[Edit -- at the bottom you'll see a book page I made with the paper.]