Egyptian Papyrus Paper

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

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 newspaper or make your paper outdoors.

2. Make the paper! Mix an equal amount of Crayola® School Glue and water in a flat 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 Crayola Gel Markers to decorate your Egyptian Papyrus Paper. 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!

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Small Parts— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Wiggly Sun Rays

Crawling Creatures

Famous Leader Pop-Ups

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Gel Markers
• No-Run School Glue

household supplies

• recycled newspaper
• brown paper grocery bag
• paper towels
• bowl

"My boys were SO interested in Egypt after watching TV. This was a perfect way to make it real."
Nathan G., father of ages 9 and 6.

"Ideal for my summer program! We made paper in the morning, by afternoon it had dried in the sun, and we were ready to decorate!"
Hailey H., family child care provider.

Ancient Egyptians painted pictures that looked more like diagrams than people or objects. They believed their art had magical powers. To preserve the magical power, however, they believed 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.