How to Make a Treasure Map & Crafts
When it comes to kids, their imaginations always get the best of them. Playing pirates is always a favorite, so give them an arts an crafts session where they can make their own treasure maps and find the hidden treasure in your home. All you need are a few simple pieces that you already have in your home, and of course, your child's imagination. The only warning here is that this could get real messy!
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pens (different colors)
- Tea Bag
- Hot water
- Paper towel
- Olive oil
- Wooden box
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Sand paper
- Chocolate coins
- Plastic gems
Instructions
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Make the Map
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1
Draw the treasure map on the paper using your pen. Don't use pencil because you will be staining the paper later on so that it appears old. Pencil will completely disappear when you stain the paper.
A good map for a household treasure hunt is to draw the layout of the home. Remember, "X" marks the spot, and don't forget the compass points. Use a variety of colored pens to draw symbols and clues.
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2
Tear small pieces off the edges of the paper so that "map" looks old and worn.
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3
Steep the tea bag in hot water until you see the color start to seep out into the water.
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4
Wipe the tea bag across the map from side to side. You will see the staining process begin, and the map will be soon turn a light golden brown.
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5
Crumple the map into a ball, open it back up and then let it dry. You will see that it dries with lots of spots, folds and torn edges that make it appear old. Wipe both sides with olive oil and blot it dry with the paper towel.
Make the Treasure
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6
Take your wooden box and paint it. Use any colors you choose.
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7
Let the box dry completely, and then sandpaper all around it so that it looks worn like it had been buried for hundreds of years.
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8
Fill the box with the gold chocolate coins and plastic gems, and then hide the treasure.
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9
Let the hunt begin!
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