As can be seen below, this is a super-fast, fun, and cheap project requiring minimal supplies. One of my next projects is a Halloween serving tray for my annual haunt party Jello-O shots, and I wanted to place a creepy picture in it. You can also age paper for all kinds of projects such as signs, framed art, labels, invitations, or other crafts such as to add to your DIY Spell Book. Make sure to check out my tutorial for those!
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Supplies
- Copy/printer paper
- Baking sheet
- Coffee
- Cinnamon
Print Paper with Graphic
First, I printed out a few different graphics to try out on my tray. To clarify, I just printed them on just basic sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper. Below are some of the links I use to obtain free printables. Additionally, you can also download my free “Condemned Notice” MS Word document below. In the past I aged a print-out of this sign and I hang it on my front door each year for Halloween.
DIY Ouija Board with free printable – The Witch at OneandSeventy (suzyhomemaker.co.uk)
The Graphics Fairy – Vintage Images, DIY Tutorials & Craft Projects
Ouija Board Decor: DIY Ouija Board Halloween Tray with Free Printable (rainonatinroof.com)
My Two Cents Worth – Free Halloween Printables- links (letmebreakthisdownforyall.com)
Coffee Time
First, I wadded up and crinkled my paper, then I made a cup of coffee (just not for drinking)!
After the coffee was brewed, I poured it onto my baking sheet and set my flattened crinkled paper in it ensuring it was completely covered, allowing the paper to sit for about 3-4 minutes. The longer it sits, the darker it will become but at the same time, you don’t want it to sit so long it falls apart.
Next, I removed the paper, wadded it up again, and lightly squeezed out as much moisture as I could. I then poured the coffee from the baking sheet into the sink and dried it slightly with a paper towel.
Baking the Paper
At this point, I set my oven to pre-heat to 225 degrees. Meanwhile, I carefully opened the paper back up and gently placed it back on the baking sheet laying it flat. If it rips a little, that’s okay, it consequently just adds to the aged effect. With that in mind, you don’t want it to rip so much it falls apart.
Once the oven heated up, I put the baking sheet in, until the paper was dry and slightly crisp. Although I left it in for about 5 minutes or so, it could take more or less time depending on how wet your paper is. Nonetheless, it’s important you keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn up.
Final Touches
After removing the paper from the oven, I sprinkled cinnamon over the top and rubbed it in a bit. I then shook off the excess cinnamon. As a result, this gives an aged look into the crinkled crevices of the paper.
Next, I rolled the paper up like a parchment and used a candle lighter to burn the edges slightly. I want to point out that it’s important to make sure the burning paper is extinguished. For this reason, I kept a wet rag next to me and just dabbed the ends of the paper on it to put the burning edges out. Nonetheless, I hold no responsibility for accidents, so please be cautious!
Generally speaking, how easy was that? In effect, I now have aged paper to use for all sorts of crafts! If you’ve ever made aged paper, I would of course love to see it and hear what you did differently. Furthermore, make sure to watch for future tutorials for making creepy serving trays and Jell-O shots and have a spooktacular Halloween!
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