What child does not like pirates? And what child would not love a pirate map? Well, mine wouldn’t. 🙂 He says he doesn’t like Pirates because “they don’t brush their teeth,” but really, I think they scare him. But maps, on the other hand, intrigue him. So I decided to make him a pirate-free treasure map. I really wanted the paper to look old and worn and then I remembered something I did with my students when I taught third grade. Tea Paper! We were doing a unit on the Pioneers and each child was responsible for writing a pioneer journal. For their final copy, they made tea paper and wrote their entries on it. I thought this would be perfect for our pirate-free treasure map. Tea paper is so easy to make and really adds an authentic look to the map. Here is how we did it.
Materials
- microwave safe container
- water
- black tea bags
- white copy paper
Mama’s Directions
Brew a tea bag or two in hot water and allow to steep for a least 5 minutes.
While tea is steeping, rip around the edges of the white paper to make it look worn.
When tea bags are done steeping, ring out a bit of the water from the bag and use it to “paint” the paper.
Be careful the tea bag may still be hot!
Cover the whole paper with the tea. Go over it again if you want it to be darker.
Allow the paper to dry on a cooling rack. The paper dries pretty quickly and is soon ready for you to create your map.
Here is the map I made for my son.
© Boy Mama Teacher Mama 2012
All Rights Reserved
This is just the coolest thing ever! Even I could do that. Thanks for hooking up to Little House 🙂
RRRRR me matey. Love this post. Featuring you in my roundup of the Kids’ Co-op. xoxo P
Thanks Pauline!!
Thank you Jode!
Another fun idea…pinning for you now lovely!
The tea ide is wonderful! What a great little drawer you are too!
Thank you!
I love this idea. When I was at school I was always looking for a way to age my paper. I used to rub coffee granules into the paper too.
That sounds like a good plan too!
I saw this on Pinterest this morning and repinned it as I thought it would be fun for a rainy day. WELL………my 5th grader came home TODAY and had to make a treasure map!!! So, thank you for posting this just in time for me to need it!!! LOL
Yay! Hope he liked it!
He did!!! I wish there was a way to post a pic of it!!!! It’s awesome. I wrinkled it up into a ball when done then rolled it up like a scroll and wrapped it with twine. Surely he’ll get an A!! Lol
Susan,
Are you on FB? You can post in on BMTM facebook page or email it to me and I can post it. I would love to see it!
[email protected]
or
http://www.facebook.com/boymamateachermama
you can also burn the edges instead of ripping…i am sure you taught me that 🙂