Secret Scroll

Ancient scrolls have always fascinated me. There are so many different styles and materials that are used. What is really important is the purpose of a scroll, which is the actual writings of those who use the scrolls as a storage device. I decided not to put my history on paper because my handwriting is horrible. Instead, I decided to put my history on a thumb drive. I made this scroll in a way that it implements the ancient way of storing information, but with a semi-modern twist.

This scroll contains:

• 1 night light (battery operated w/ a hidden switch)
• 1 thumb drive
• 1 black light
• 1 small hidden piece of paper w/ an invisible password

This project contains things that I have never done before (i.e., stained glass, gold leafing, lathing something large, gold painting, cursing). So, enjoy it; and if you make one, hopefully you can add additional features to make the project even better!

WOOD

• Red Mallee Wood
• Douglas Fir Wood

LEATHER

• Leather
• Suede Remnants
• 2 Snaps (wished I used)

STAIN GLASS

• Stain Glass
• Copper Wire
• Flux
• Steel/Metal Rods

LEAFING/LETTERING

• Brush Lettering
• Gold Leaf
• Metal Leaf Adhesive
• Metal Leaf Sealer

LIGHTS

• Flashlight
• Push Button Switch
• 24-Gauge Electric Wire

FINISH

• Linseed Oil

MISC

• Wood Tie Rack Pegs
• Tacks - Small
• Tacks - Large
• Waxed Thread
• Brown Rope/Twine
• Glass Jar
• Black Light - Invisible Ink
• CA Glue / Accelerator
• Wood Glue

Before I start any project, I make sure I have the right tools and safety equipment. Fortunately, this project doesn't require any crazy odd-ball tools. Most of my equipment was purchased used or given to me. Some equipment would make it a lot easier and faster (i.e., drill press, better soldering iron, etc).

TOOLS

• Rock Cutter
• Lathe
• Rotating Tool (Dremel)
• Table Saw
• Disk Sander
• Metal Saw
• Various Drills Bits
• Router Bits
• Lathe Tools
• Glass Cutter
• Palm Router
• Mini Drill Press
• Hand Drill
• Soldering Iron
• Forstner Bits
• Glue Gun
• Solder
• 1” Belt Sander

SAFETY

• Dust Mask
• Shield Mask
• Locked Door (and loud music)

I used a 4"x 4"x13" Red Mallee wood block to cut all four sides down at a 45 degree angle. This allows for less wear on the carbide tips.

Cut down 2.5" on one end to make the wood fit a chuck. Proceed to make the wood round. I used a round and square carbide tip. Once complete, mark with a pencil the design you want. As the lathe was turning, I marked it with a pencil to make a desired shape.

Cut the scroll in half. Mark and drill six equally spaced holes for 5" metal rods. Drill the center of the scroll. See PDF plans to view diameter and depths.

Sand both ends and carve any designs at the ends of the scroll.

The top and bottom of the scroll will have removable ends. I used Douglas Fir wood. See plans for the sizes I used. One end will hold the light switch and the other end will be connected to the secret hidden glass jar.

Tear apart an old flashlight. You will just need the light and battery cover.

Cut a channel on both removable ends. Then put a wooden dowel (makeshift cotter pin). You will also need to cut a channel in both of ends of the scroll. Apply metal leaf adhesive and wait 5-20 minutes (depends on who you talk to). Apply the metal leaf and pat it down with a dry brush. Wait three days before you add a sealer.

Drill out the hole in the bottom of the removable end. This is for the light switch. Use 24-gauge wire to assemble the light, the switch, and the battery. Lathe another small piece of wood to cover the bottom portion so it covers up the switch. Make sure you drill a small hole to allow the pegs to go through to switch on the light.

These pegs will hold the two ends securely on the scroll. Drill 4 holes on the side of each end of the main scrolls. Drill far enough in to go through the removable ends. Paint the pegs the same color as the gold lettering paint.

I used two different sizes of tacks for this project. Just head to Hobby Lobby and pick whatever ones you like.

Cut the glass with a handheld cutter and shape it with a tile or rock cutter. Copper plate all four ends of each glass plate. Attach each glass to the metal rods to add strength and to ensure the glass doesn't have pressure on them. Solder away!

Cut an 11" by 30" leather strip. This is to cover the center portion of the scroll. Then cut 2 strips that are 1-2 inches longer than the center circumference of the scroll. Attach two clasps to the ends. This will hold the main leather piece in place.

Insert the thumb drive, black light, and piece of paper (that has the invisible code on it) into the glass jar and screw it to the bottom of the removable top portion. Attach the top portion onto the main scroll and secure it with 4 pegs. Use one of the pegs to turn on and off the light located at the bottom of the scroll. Wrap the scroll with the leather and fasten it with the 2 leather straps. It is all ready to be used....only by you!