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Have you ever wondered how ancient Egyptians managed to write down their incredible stories, record history, or create stunning artwork? They didn’t have notebooks or computers, but they came up with something just as brilliant – papyrus! This is a fun and engaging topic for kids to get involved with so let us share with you a fun project for making papyrus paper at home.

how to make your own papyrus paper at home

This early form of paper was made using the papyrus plant, and it’s a fascinating glimpse into how resourceful and creative the Ancient Egyptians were. You can make your own version of papyrus at home! It’s a fun, hands-on activity that’s perfect for kids and adults alike, combining a bit of history, crafting, and creativity. Let’s dive into the world of ancient Egypt and bring this timeless invention back to life!

Papyrus, one of the earliest forms of paper, was a revolutionary invention of the ancient Egyptians around 3,000 BCE. Crafted from the stems of the papyrus plant, it served as a versatile material for writing, art, and record-keeping. Today, you can recreate the magic of papyrus using simple materials at home. It’s a hands-on, educational activity perfect for homeschool families or anyone curious about history.

How Was Papyrus Made?

The process of making papyrus in ancient Egypt was both simple and ingenious. Workers started by stripping the tough outer skin from the stems of the papyrus plant, then slicing the soft inner pith into thin strips. These strips were carefully laid in overlapping rows, with a second layer placed at right angles to the first. Pressing and drying caused the plant’s natural adhesive to bind the strips together, creating a durable sheet. Sheets could then be joined to form scrolls used for everything from official documents to artistic works.

Materials You Will Need to Make Your Own Papyrus Paper at Home

Brown packaging paper or two brown paper bags
Craft glue
Newspaper
Wax paper (around 16 x 16 in or 40 x 40 cm)
Paints or coloring pens

Make Your Own Papyrus Paper at Home

Follow along with the step by step instructions below to make your own papyrus paper at home.

How to Make your Own Papyrus Paper

Yield: 1

Step back in time and create your own papyrus paper! This hands-on craft brings ancient Egypt to life with just a few simple materials. Perfect for curious kids and history-loving families!

Materials

Brown packaging paper or two brown paper bags
Craft glue
Newspaper
Wax paper (around 16 x 16 in or 40 x 40 cm)
Paints or coloring pens

Instructions

Tear the brown packaging paper into strips approximately ¾ inch (2 cm) wide and 11 inches (30 cm) long. You’ll need 30–40 strips. Mix ¼ cup glue with ¼ cup water in a small container to create your adhesive.
Protect your workspace by laying down newspaper, and place the wax paper on top. Dip each strip of brown paper into the glue mixture, then run your fingers down the strip to remove excess glue. Arrange the strips side by side on the wax paper, slightly overlapping their edges. Smooth out any wrinkles with your fingers.
Once the wax paper is covered with strips in one direction, start a second layer by placing strips at right angles to the first. Leave your creation to dry overnight.
When the paper is fully dry, carefully peel it off the wax paper. Your homemade papyrus is ready to use!

Once you and the kids have made your sheets of papyrus paper, you’re going to want to draw or write on it….

Draw Like an Ancient Egyptian

Ancient Egyptian art has a unique and recognizable style, and drawing in this way can transport you back in time. Here’s how to draw like the Egyptians did:

Begin with a grid of 10 rows across and 19 rows down. Place the shoulders three squares from the top and the waist eight squares from the top.
Draw the head and legs in profile, while depicting the chest and arms from a front-facing perspective.
Use the traditional colors of Egyptian art: red, blue, green, yellow, black, and white.
Remember to make the most important figures the largest in size, as the Egyptians did.

drawing grid for ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs

From the Book: Live Like an Ancient Egyptian

This fun and educational activity comes from the book Live Like an Ancient Egyptian by Claire Saunders, illustrated by Ruth Hickson.

We love how this book combines useful and engaging historical information with practical, hands-on projects like making papyrus. It’s perfect for homeschoolers or any family looking to explore ancient history together.

Ancient Egypt is a topic that never fails to capture kids’ imaginations, and this book delivers in spades.

Live Like an Ancient Egyptian is published by Button Books, RRP £12.99, and is available online and from all good bookshops.

Special Offer

You can buy Live Like an Ancient Egyptian from Gifts to Me for only £10.35 (+P&P)! Usual RRP £12.99. Visit giftstome.co.uk and use the offer code R5765. Offer ends 15th February 2025.

Making papyrus is a fun way to connect with history while sparking creativity. Whether you’re homeschooling or just want a family project that’s both entertaining and educational, this activity will bring ancient Egypt to life. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!

More Fun Learning Activities for Kids

We have some more fun educational activities for kids which are perfect for homeschool families, or just for any parents who want to connect with their kids while learning and trying something cool and new.