Colourclub Supplies

Crayola Metallic Markers (or Gel Markers) and Eco Friendly Washable Glue.

Household Supplies

Old Newspaper, Brown Paper Bag, Paper Towels and a Bowl.

Why

Ancient Egyptians made their own paper - and you can too! Then write your message in hieroglyphics or create a treasure map for more fun with your friends.

Steps

1. To make paper, Ancient Egyptians flattened and smashed stalks of the papyrus (puh-PIE-rus) plant. Then they placed the stalks running up and down in one layer and side to side in the other. Here's how to make paper using a similar technique. Cover your craft surface with the newspaper or you can make it outdoors.

2 Make the paper! Mix an equal amount of Eco Friendly Washable Glue and water in a shallow bowl. Tear a brown paper bag into strips. Lay a paper towel on the newspaper. Dip strips one at a time in the glue mix. Lay them on the paper towel with their edges overlapping. Press the strips smooth. Arrange more strips going across the first layer. Press smooth. Air-dry your paper.

3. Decorate your paper. Use the Crayola Metallic Markers to decorate your Egyptian Papyrus Paper. (You could use Gel Markers or Super Tips instead). Write your name in hieroglyphics (the Ancient Egyptian form of writing). Draw the Great Sphinx (an ancient Egyptian Monument that looks like a king with a lion's body). Or design a treasure map and set up a treasure hunt with your friends. Have fun!

Interesting Info

Ancient Egyptians painted pictures that looked more like diagrams than people or objects. They believed that their art had magical powers. To preserve the magical power, however, they believe it must be drawn exactly in the style of their ancestors. So most artists painted in the same way and the people they painted all looked alike.

Safety Guidelines

Safety guidlines recommended this art project as suitable for children ages 4 years and older. Close adult supervision is required to ensure children's safety.