Q&A for How to Make a Paper Scroll

Yes. I you can find a template online, or go to the article, How to Make Paper Look Old, on this website.

Coffee leaves a heavier stain on the paper. Tea gives it a lighter, more elegant effect.

You can, but make sure the paper is completely dry before putting it in the printer.

Both work well, although coffee can stain a little darker. Choose whichever is easiest for you.

These steps may impact the life of the paper, depending on the material and brand of your paper. Thicker paper will provide longer life.

Your scroll may not automatically recoil at first. However, if you keep it folded for long enough, it should start holding its shape and bounce back to the closed position on its own. Thicker papers will hold their shape better than thinner papers.

If you printed the scroll from a computer or you used ink of any kind to write on the scroll, it'll bleed if you use liquid.

This can happen, especially when you are just learning this technique. Just get another piece of paper and begin again.

Normal glue is quite temporary, but it will work. I recommend using hot glue.

A tear in the scroll will make it look more realistic! However if it is a clean rip, then either tape it and keep that part rolled up, or just redo it.

A good alternative for chopsticks and dowels are simple sticks. You can go outside and search for an ideally shaped branch. Make sure it’s fairly smooth so it doesn’t rip the paper, is thick enough that it won’t immediately snap, and that it has no bugs or tree infections. If you’re climbing a tree to find the perfect two sticks, make sure you have permission from the tree’s owner (if it has one) to ensure that you don’t get in trouble.

Of course! Just make sure you choose an appropriate color. To make it look older, you should use darker neutral colors.

If you want to make a really long scroll you can do that two ways. You could attach sheets of paper together with tape, glue, or hot glue. You could also get a roll of craft paper or easel paper and cut as much as you need for your scroll.

Darker teas, such as black or Lipton, are good for stains. I would recommend either, but it depends on what kind of color you want for the type of scroll.

No. You need to dip the paper in coffee or tea first, then dry it and write on it. That way, the ink will not disappear.

Use a fountain pen. There is also a wikiHow article on How to Use a Fountain Pen|how to use one if you need help with it. You could even use a feather pen––just dip the feather in fountain pen ink.

if you use weights, then you can prevent it from rolling back up, but it will still want to roll. You could also use flimsy paper without enough strength to roll back up, but then you would have to work with flimsy paper.