Coffee-Antiqued Map

Coffee is the best dye for creating antique maps and documents. You won't believe how simple the process is, and how great your documents turn out!

• 8x10 inch picture frame
• computer
• printer
• instant coffee granules
• microwave
• oven
• baking sheet
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• paper cutter

Using a computer and printer, print a map onto an 8-1/2x 11 sheet of paper. (I printed a Lord of the Rings map.) Using a paper cutter, trim the paper down to 8x10 inches.

Heat 1/3 cup of water in a microwave. Add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules to the hot water. Stir until granules are dissolved. Place printed map onto baking sheet, and then pour coffee onto its surface. Using a spoon, carefully spread the coffee, to coat the entire surface of the map. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then carefully remove map. Let the excess coffee drip onto the pan; pour excess coffee back into container, and then lay map back on the baking sheet.

Preheat oven to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Place baking sheet on middle oven rack. Bake 5-10 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove, and check to see if it is done. The map is done when the edges are crisp.

Frame the map.