How to Make a Paper Scroll

For centuries, people used paper scrolls to document information, much in the same way we use sheets of paper to document information today.^{[1]XResearch source} Whether you want to make a scroll for a school project, for a party invitation, or just for fun, the process is simple. Choose a type of paper and consider adding text or drawings. If you want to make an ancient-looking scroll, you can age your paper with a tea or coffee stain.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Design

Download Article

1
Research different scrolls. Researching different types of scrolls will help you decide how you want your scroll to look. Scrolls were used for centuries in countries like China, Egypt, and Greece. Look at different scrolls online and see if any inspire you!^{[2]XResearch source}
- Decide whether you want your scroll to look modern or ancient. If you choose to go for an ancient look, consider ageing your paper.
- Your scroll doesn’t have to look like the ones you see online! You can make a completely unique scroll, or combine features you like from many different scrolls.
2
Select your paper. Pick the paper you want to use for your scroll. You can use colorful construction paper, drawing paper, or plain printer paper. All of these can be aged later by soaking them in tea or coffee.
- Brown paper bags work if you want your paper to look aged, but don’t want to go through the process of staining it yourself. Just cut a rectangle out of the bag.^{[3]XResearch source}
- You can tape multiple pieces of paper together to make an extra-long scroll, if you want. Feel free to mix and match different colors, but make sure each piece of paper is the same size.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you’re feeling really fancy, try using papyrus like the ancient Egyptians did!^{[5]XResearch source}
Advertisement
3
Decide what to write. Scrolls were traditionally used as decorations, or to document information and tell stories.^{[6]XResearch source} Think about what you want to write or draw on your scroll. You can do both if you want!
- If you want to make an Egyptian inspired scroll, consider including some hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian form of writing.^{[7]XResearch source}
- You can also draw a treasure map, or write a story about one of your favorite experiences. Get creative!
- If you want to include typed text on your scroll, print it onto your paper now. You won’t be able to do it after you age your paper.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Ageing Your Paper

Download Article

1
Crumple your paper. Crumpling your paper makes it look wrinkled and aged. Spray your paper with a little water and crumple it into a ball. Then, smooth it out again. Crumple it a few more times for a more wrinkled appearance.^{[8]XResearch source}
- You can iron your paper very lightly if you want it extra flat.
- Stop here if you like the way it looks! If you want to stain your paper to make it look even older, keep going.
- If you are using a brown paper bag, you don’t need to stain it.
2
Brew coffee or tea. You can age your paper by soaking it in either coffee or tea. Pick whichever one is most convenient for you, and brew enough to cover the sheet you want to age. If you are younger, ask a parent for help.^{[9]XResearch source}
- You can brew coffee in a coffee machine, or use instant coffee. The darker the coffee, the better.^{[10]XResearch source}
- To brew a strong cup of tea, soak at least three tea bags in a cup of hot water.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Be sure to brew extra if you are aging multiple sheets.
3
Apply the mixture. Place the paper in a large pan, and apply the coffee or tea to using a method of your choice. You can dab it on with a sponge, paint it on with a paint brush, or dip your paper in the mixture until your achieve your desired color. Make sure the coffee or tea is not too hot.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Try using your teabag as an applicator. Wipe the wet teabag all over paper, squeezing as you go until you achieve the color you want.
- The paper will look a little darker when it’s dry, so stop applying the coffee or tea when it’s a couple shades lighter than you want it.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Add grains of instant coffee or flecks of tea to your paper for extra texture.
4
Dry the paper. Hang the paper to dry using clothespins. If it’s nice out, hang it outside. You can also lay it flat on a clean surface to dry, but beware of staining.^{[14]XResearch source}
- If your paper turns out too light, repeat the staining process until you achieve the shade you want.
- Weigh the dried paper down with a book or other heavy object if you want it flatter.^{[15]XResearch source}
5
Distress the edges. You may want to make your paper look even older by distressing the edges. You can burn the edges by lighting a match over a safe, non-flammable surface and waving it back and forth over the edges. Continue until you achieve the desired look, shaking and brushing away burnt edges. Alternatively, you can rip the edges with your fingers.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Practice distressing the edges on a few scrap sheets of paper before attempting on your scroll paper. You don’t want to tear or burn away too much of the edges!
- You can also burn the edges using lemon or lime juice and a heat gun. Apply a little juice to the edges of the paper, then heat with the heat gun until you get the desired effect.^{[17]XResearch source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Crafting Your Scroll

Download Article

1
Write on your scroll. Now, it’s time to write or draw on your scroll! A black pen works best, especially for delicate aged paper or paper bags. Feel free to use crayons or colored pencils if you want your scroll to be colorful!^{[18]XResearch source}
- Be careful when using paints or heavy markers, especially if you are using a paper bag. These can bleed through more delicate papers.
- Allow the ink to dry completely before moving on to the next step. After all, you don’t want to smear your writing or drawings!
2
Select dowels, if you like. Dowels are the sticks you sometimes see at the end of scrolls that make them easier to roll and unroll. You can purchase craft sticks from your local craft store to make your dowels. Cut them to the width of your paper. You will need two dowels, one for each end. Alternatively, you can use chopsticks.
- Decorate the ends of your dowels using ribbon or dowel caps, which can be purchased at your local craft store. Secure your decorations with hot glue.
Place one dowel on the right end of your scroll, another on the left. Make sure the side with the writing is facing up. Wrap the edge of the paper inward around each dowel, so that the dowel is covered. Secure the dowel with hot glue or tape.
After the glue has dried, roll each side of the scroll around its dowel so that the two sides meet in the middle. If you aren’t using dowels, simply roll up your scroll from one end to the other, hot-dog style, making sure the writing is on the inside.
Select a piece of string, yarn, or ribbon, and tie it around your scroll. This is optional, but it can add a nice touch while keeping your scroll secure.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Can I print this paper, so that it looks a bit neater, without actually writing on it?
Community Answer
Yes. I you can find a template online, or go to the article, How to Make Paper Look Old, on this website.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 18 Helpful 52
Question
What is the difference between using coffee or tea during drying?
Community Answer
Coffee leaves a heavier stain on the paper. Tea gives it a lighter, more elegant effect.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 11 Helpful 53
Question
Can I print on this paper using a printer?
Community Answer
You can, but make sure the paper is completely dry before putting it in the printer.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 15 Helpful 45

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

Be patient, and don't worry about perfection. Small rips, tears, or even inkblots can make your scroll seem more natural.
Thanks
Helpful6 Not Helpful0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Hot substances can be dangerous. If you are younger, have an adult help you prepare the tea or coffee. If you decide to burn the edges of your scroll, ask an adult for help as well.
Thanks
Helpful3 Not Helpful0