The chalk sounds like a better idea then burning, I also like the ones MsMeeple done.

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Is It Halloween Yet?

There was a thread here about burning edges. The instructions were to roll the parchment up into a tube and burn one side and then the other. Then unroll and re-roll from the other direction and burn both of these ends. The results looked very good and it sounds pretty easy.

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Spectorized

ok, slap the dunce cap on me... I never thought of rolling it up! What a great idea

That's what I did Elza but we used a propane torch with the flame set real low and it went really fast that way. Just be ready to blow. ha ha

Candles works pretty well for me. You don't wear out a lighter, and don't have to juggle the lighter and the paper at the same time. Choose a candle with a fairly big wick, like a dinner taper. Often votives have a tiny flame that isn't up to the job.

If you want, you can also spill a little wax on the paper to age it, or even use the wax for a seal. Smudges of vegetable oil also work great for distressing, as does candle wick soot, mug bottoms dipped in strong coffee or brown paint water and set on the page, random crumpling, et cetera.

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Haunt pics: 2005, 2006

If you haven't done it already... I made invitations to a "Pirate Party" a few years back and I found the BEST way to burn edges is, to use the stove top. Simple as that. You have to put writing on BEFORE HAND but it works better than candles by far! The edges don't catch fire, they merely redden the edges and burn back without flame. It's less risky. Then to put it out when you're satisfied with the amount of burn you put it out. You just keep going till all your edges are done. I think you could probably roll them but I didn't think of that. If you want the look of flame, when your done burning the edges, carefully run the flat edges along the stove until the paper browns a little without catching it on fire.

excellent idea, brilliant! All the catching fire business put me off burning and I ended up ripping and staining the edges instead but I'll definately remember your way for next yr. Thanks

here's a couple of printable scrolls for those not keen on the burning. print them full size - then put the paper back in the machine & print you lettering on them - then cut round them

When I was a kid I had to do a diary and then make it look aged. My mom suggested we soak some of the pages in coffee before slightly burning them. The coffee stains made the pages looked aged. My teacher really like it. I do not have any pictures sorry to say.


You can also scorch the paper if you hold it far enough from the fire source, being careful not to let it actually catch on fire.

We had a big bowl of water for mistakes to be put out in.

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I don't mean to alarm you but your insides look very Halloweeny.

Very nice of you Witchepoo!