How to Burn Parchment Paper

Whether you're working on a history assignment or a craft project, you may want to artificially age parchment paper to create an antique feel. There are a variety of ways to burn or cook the paper to give it this aged look, and it can be done with things you already have in your kitchen. While you won't be forging copies of any historical documents with these tricks, they'll at least give the paper a charming, old-timey feel.

Things You'll Need

• Parchment paper
• Shallow bowl or dish
• Cotton swab
• Lighter or matches
• Lemon Juice
• Kettle
• Teabag
• Mug
• Square pan
• Coffee
• Microwave oven
• Microwave-safe plate

Instructions

Burning the Paper

1. Fill a shallow dish with water.

2. Dab a cotton swab in the water, and dampen a border about a 1/2 to 3/4-inches in from the edge of the paper that you want to burn.

3. Light a match or lighter, and set fire to the edge of the parchment.

4. Allow the paper burn for a few seconds, and then put it out by either pinching or blowing it out to keep the flame under control. You may need to light the paper several times; re-moisten the border before you light the paper each time to prevent it from over-burning.

Baking the Paper to Age It

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F, and begin boiling water in the kettle.

2. Dab lemon juice unevenly around the edges of the sheet of parchment.

3. Pour the boiling water into a mug, and steep a teabag in the water for a few minutes.

4. Pull the teabag out of the water, and paint the paper with the teabag, using it as though it were a brush. Cover the entire page with tea.

5. Bake the paper for 10 minutes. If you also plan to burn the paper, first follow the steps in Section 1 and then bake for five minutes.

Nuking the Paper to Age It

1. Boil water in the kettle.

2. Brew a cup of tea and a cup of coffee.

3. Mix the two together in a pan that's large enough to fit the parchment paper.

4. Place the paper in the pan so that it's covered with liquid.

5. Allow the paper to soak for about one minute. Remove the paper and place it on a microwave-safe plate.

6. Microwave the paper for about 10 minutes on high, or until the paper looks old and wrinkled.

References

• Tips on Making Paper look Old: Hints and Thinks
• How to Make Paper Look Old: Altered-Book