Kansas City, Kansas Public Library

Instructions

1. Squeeze some glue into a small container and thin it down with a little water. Brush this mixture onto the poster board. Work fast so that it doesn't dry until after the next step is completed. Be sure to cover the entire piece. If you are using a larger piece, do one half of the piece and then go on to step 2.
2. Take sheet of white tissue paper and cover the poster board that you just put glue on. It is better if the tissue paper is larger than the poster board. Now press the tissue paper down. The more wrinkled the better. If there are air pockets, brush some of the watered down glue on top of your piece. Let this side dry completely. Now turn it over and do the exact same to the other side. Let this side dry completely. If the piece is curled up on the edges after it dries, simply put something on it to flatten it out.
3. Tear around the outside edge to make the paper look old and frayed. Be creative. It's OK, if it is uneven.
4. Now you are ready to paint the paper to give it a brownish color. First put the rest of the water, about 1 cup, into a small pan and bring to a boil. Turn off the stove and add 5 tea bags to the hot water and cover with a lid. Let this set for about one hour, until it is very, very strong. Remove the tea bags and let it cool. Don't let any grounds from the bags get into the water. When the strong tea is completely cooled, you are ready to paint it on with the paintbrush. Let dry. You may need again to put something on top to flatten.
5. Now you are ready to write on the paper with a black marker! A nice poem, a secret potion or a pirate map would look great! To make it look even older take a brown marker and go around the torn outer edge.