How to Make a Pirate Map

One afternoon the boys asked how you made paper look old.
This started us on the quest to make our own pirate maps on our specially made paper!

I found a great website with instructions.
It lists 8 different methods, but we just stuck to the first one.

Essentially you:

1. Make Coffee. The stronger the coffee, the darker the colour. Tea would probably work, too.
2. Put a piece of paper on a cookie tray

3. Pour the coffee onto the cookie tray. Don’t pour directly on the paper, but let the coffee soak into the paper gradually.

4. Let stand for about 5-10 minutes
5. Pour the excess coffee off into a bowl

6. Heat the oven to 270.
7. Bake the paper in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until it is dry

8. Remove and let cool.

Now, you have old looking paper!

Next time we will try scrunching the paper after it is wet with coffee to make it look even more textured and old.

Then, we burnt the edges of the paper to give it shape and make it look like a pirate’s map.

1. Put a candle in the sink.

2. Light it.
3. With close adult supervision, have the child put the edges of the paper up to the flame.

It may light on fire, so be ready to blow it out. Or, drop it in the sink for safety.

4. Let cool.

Next, the boys had fun drawing on their own treasure maps and designs. They had a lot of fun coming up with creative and unique maps!

This activity would be great for a birthday party! We will definitely try it again!