How to Make a Pirate Treasure Map

An authentic looking pirate treasure map is easy to make. You can make one for a neighborhood treasure hunt or for cache-hunting. Your kids will enjoy making it and will have loads of fun hunting for buried treasure. Here's how to make one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The first step is to find a couple of pirate-related images on the computer by doing a search using Google images. I searched using the terms skull and crossbones, compass, and pirate ship. When Google does your search for you, click 'images' above the search box and you will just get pictures. Choose ones that are graphic so they show up well on your map. Save them on the computer.

2. 
   A few images to start the map

   The next step is to open a blank powerpoint slide, and insert the images you saved. Doing this on powerpoint allows you to move the pictures around and resize them as you go. Have an idea what you want the treasure map to look like and put the pictures where you want them on the final pirate treasure map. Save the slide and print it out. Let it dry for an hour so the ink doesn't run when you get the map wet. Print a couple of copies so you can make changes if you want.

3. 
   Map soaking in black tea

   Step 3 is to brew a cup of black tea. Let it steep for a couple of minutes so the tea gets dark. Pour the tea on a baking sheet and immerse the map in the tea so it is completely covered. The tea will darken the map and give it an aged look. Take the map out after a few minutes, let the tea drip off, then lay it out on a dark towel to dry. If the map doesn't look too dark, don't worry, it will darken as it dries. Handle carefully, as the paper is very fragile when wet and can tear easily.

4. 
   Start aging the map by burning with an incense stick

   When the paper is dry, use a waterproof marker to draw out your treasure map. When you are done, go outdoors, take an incense stick and burn the edges so it no longer looks like a sheet of paper. You can also burn some small holes in the map with the end of the incense. Have a damp napkin handy to keep the burn marks from spreading too far.
   
   That's it! You now have an aged-looking pirate treasure map and are ready for adventure. Have fun. Aaarghh!

5. 
   A Pirate Party invitation aged with the same method

   You can use this same technique to make invitations to a pirate party. This is a unique way to get your guests in the spirit. I delivered them with an eyepatch and big gold earring from the dollar store.
   
   See my related articles below on making pirate costumes and throwing a pirate party.

Tips & Warnings

• You can crumple the paper up when it's almost dry to give it a more aged look, but do it carefully.
• I've seen a map that had a couple of drops of red wine dripped on it when wet, it kind of gives it a unique look, as if someone fought over it 100 years ago.
• You can roll the map up when finished and tie with a scrap of cloth so it looks like a scroll, rather than folding it up.

Resources

• How to Make an Adult Female Pirate Costume
• How to Make an Adult Male Pirate Costume
• How to Make and Display Halloween Party Foods
• How to Throw an Adult Pirate Party

[tracysmith159]

on 9/10/2009 What a fun idea to make your own pirate treasure map. The kids would love this.