Silk carrier rods are formed over a rod in the silk reeling process. The silk waste builds up and is sliced away and discarded. This silk waste can be purchased in its natural form, creamy white and full of sericen, or washed and dyed. The rods are usually quite hard and pod-like or scraggy. You can use both sorts most effectively to make silk 'paper'. You can use them 'as is', they make great tree trunks, or you can manipulate them and colour them. If you take a silk rod in your hands, you will see that it has several layers. Peel off layers and iron flat.

Easy peasy silk paper making; hints and example here.

loose rods

50g bag

more loose rods