Activity: Make Ancient Looking Paper

Materials Needed:

2 tea bags
a sheet of genuine parchment paper (can probably be found at an art store)
a large glass casserole pan
1 cup hot water
paper towels

an old T-Shirt or apron

The tea will stain clothes - be careful!

1. Make strong tea with the tea bags and hot water and pour into the casserole pan.

2. Soak the parchment sheet in the tea until it has the desired darkness of color.

3. Remove the parchment and lay onto paper towels to dry. The parchment should look crinkly with darkened edges.

Clean Up!

Carefully pour any leftover tea into the sink and flush it down with water. This will stain clothing. Avoid spilling it on clothes. Leftover tea bags go into the garbage cans or other solid waste containers.