How To Make Brown Paper

How To Make Brown Paper: A Simple DIY Guide

Whether you’re looking to add a rustic touch to your scrapbook, create custom gift wrap, or simply enjoy a hands‑on craft, making brown paper at home is a rewarding project. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step, using everyday materials you probably already have in the kitchen. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Plain white paper – printer paper, newspaper, or any lightweight sheet works.
Tea bags or instant coffee – the natural pigments will give your paper that warm, earthy tone.
Large pot – for boiling the tea or coffee.
Water – enough to fully submerge the paper.
Rubber gloves – optional, but helpful for handling hot, stained paper.
Drying rack or clean towels – to lay the paper flat while it dries.

Step‑by‑Step DIY: Tea‑Staining Your Paper

Join me for this super easy DIY as I tea stain a batch of paper to achieve that perfect brown hue. The method is straightforward, and you’ll have a stack of beautiful, reusable brown paper in just a few hours.

Prepare the staining solution. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add 4–5 tea bags (or 2 tablespoons of instant coffee). Let the mixture steep for 5–7 minutes until it reaches a deep amber color. The longer it steeps, the darker your paper will become.
Cool the liquid. Allow the tea to cool to a warm temperature (about 120°F/49°C). This prevents the paper from tearing when it’s submerged.
Submerge the paper. Place a sheet of white paper into the liquid, making sure it’s fully immersed. Gently wiggle it for a few seconds to ensure even absorption.
Let it soak. For a light brown, soak for 30 seconds. For a richer tone, leave the paper in the solution for up to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on the color change – you can always add more tea if needed.
Remove and dry. Using tongs or a clean spoon, lift the paper out of the liquid. Place it on a drying rack or a flat towel. Allow it to air dry completely, which may take 1–2 hours depending on humidity.
Repeat if necessary. If the shade isn’t dark enough, repeat steps 3–5 with a fresh batch of tea. Multiple layers create depth and a more authentic brown texture.