The same way sheets of paper are used to document information today, paper scrolls were used for centuries.The process is simple if you want to make a scroll for a school project, a party invitation, or just for fun.Consider adding text or drawings to the paper you choose.You can age your paper with a tea or coffee stain if you want to make a scroll.
Step 1: Look at different scrolls.
You can research different types of scrolls to find out how you want your scroll to look.China, Egypt, and Greece were places where scrolls were used for a long time.If any of the scrolls inspire you, look at them online.Do you want your scroll to be modern or ancient?You should consider aging your paper if you choose to go for an ancient look.The ones you see online don't have to look like your scroll.You can combine features from many different scrolls, or make a completely unique scroll.
Step 2: You can choose your paper.
Pick the paper that you want to scroll on.You can use a variety of paper.They can be aged by soaking them in tea or coffee.If you want your paper to look aged but don't want to stain it yourself, use brown paper bags.Cut a piece out of the bag.If you want to make an extra-long scroll, you can tape multiple pieces of paper together.Don't mix and match colors, but make sure each piece of paper is the same size.The ancient Egyptians used papyrus like this.
Step 3: It's up to you to decide what to write about.
The scrolls were used to tell stories.Do you want to draw or write on your scroll?If you want, you can do both.If you want to make an Egyptian inspired scroll, you should include some form of writing from the ancient Egyptians.You can draw a treasure map or write a story about one of your favorite experiences.Get creative!You can include typed text on your scroll by printing it onto your paper.After you age your paper, you won't be able to do it.
Step 4: Cut your paper in half.
It looks wrinkled and aged if you flatten your paper.crumple your paper into a ball by spraying it with water.Then smooth it out again.For a wrinkled appearance, crinkle it a few more times.If you want your paper to be extra flat, you can iron it very lightly.If you like the way it looks, stop here.If you want to make your paper look older, keep going.If you use a brown paper bag, you don't need to stain it.
Step 5: You can brew coffee or tea.
You can age your paper by drinking tea or coffee.Pick whichever one is most convenient for you, and brew enough to cover the sheet you want to age.Ask your parent for help if you are younger.You can brew coffee in a coffee machine.The darker the coffee, the better.You can brew a strong cup of tea by soaking at least three tea bags in hot water.If you are aging multiple sheets, be sure to brew extra.
Step 6: The mixture needs to be applied.
Coffee or tea can be applied to the paper using a method of your choice.You can either dip the paper in the mixture or use a sponge to paint it.The coffee or tea should not be too hot.Try applying your teabag to something.Put the wet teabag over the paper and squeeze until you get the color you want.Coffee and tea should not be applied when the paper is a shade lighter than you want it to be.Adding coffee or tea to your paper will give it extra texture.
Step 7: The paper needs to be dried.
Clothespins are used to dry the paper.Hang it outside if it is nice.It can be laid flat on a clean surface to dry, but beware of staining.Continue the staining process until you get the shade you want.If you want the paper to be flatter, weigh it down with a book.
Step 8: The edges should be distressed.
You can distressing the edges to make your paper look older.You can burn the edges by lighting a match over a safe, non-flammable surface and waving it back and forth over them.Continue until you get the look you want.You can rip the edges with your fingers.Before attempting on your scroll paper, distressing the edges on a few scrap sheets of paper.You don't want to burn the edges.Lemon or lime juice can be used to burn the edges.You can heat the paper with the heat gun if you apply juice to the edges.
Step 9: Write something down on your scroll.
It is time to draw or write on your scroll.It's best to use a black pen for paper bags.If you want your scroll to be colorful, you can use crayons or colored pencils.If you are using a paper bag, be careful with paints or heavy markers.They can bleed through delicate papers.Before moving on to the next step, allow the ink to dry completely.You don't want to ruin your work.
Step 10: If you want, you can select the dowels.
There are sticks at the end of scrolls that make it easier to roll and unroll.You can buy craft sticks from your craft store.They should be cut to the width of the paper.One for each end is what you will need.You can use chopsticks.Ribbon or dowel caps can be purchased at your local craft store to decorate the ends of your dowels.Attach your decorations with hot glue.
Step 11: Glue or tape the ends of the paper.
There are two dowels on the right end of your scroll.The writing should be facing up.Wrap the edge of the paper around the dowels.Attach the dowel with hot glue or tape.
Step 12: Roll up the scroll.
The two sides of the scroll need to meet in the middle after the glue has dried.Roll up your scroll from one end to the other, hot-dog style, to make sure the writing is on the inside.
Step 13: Attach your scroll with string or ribbon.
Tie a piece of string, yarn, or ribbon around your scroll.It can add a nice touch and keep your scroll secure.