“Say Yes to New Adventures” DIY World Map #SpringCreations

If the current decorating trends of vintage maps and hand lettered typography are some of your favorites, then you’re in luck!

I’m going to show you how to create your own DIY world map in just a few hours of your time. Grab a some friends, plan a fun girls night of crafting, and make one (or several) together.

Even better, this custom map art makes the perfect gift for graduation, weddings, Mother’s Day, and even Father’s Day.

Before you begin crafting, you’ll need to get your supplies together. 

I happen to love collecting vintage maps and I’ve found the trick to finding them is by searching in old National Geographic magazines at garage sales, they almost always still have their map inserts in them. 
If you can’t find one you like, stores such as Walmart carry current maps that work great.
While you’re at Walmart, you can pick up all the other items you’ll need (you can them all in the craft aisle).

Supplies:
Map
Picture frame
Foam core board
Carbon paper
Paint or marker
Scotch® Brand utility knife
Scotch® Brand Super 77 spray adhesive
Command™ picture hanging strips

I had an old yellowed print and seriously outdated wooden frame that belonged to my grandmother that I’ve held onto for years since she passed. I knew there would be a day that the frame could be repainted and used, and it works perfectly for this map art. So, if you don’t already have one, make sure you pick up a frame while you’re gathering your other items at the store.

First, measure your frame, and use the Scotch® Brand Utility Knife to cut your foam core board and map to the correct size.
In the past, using utility knives made me nervous, because they can be so bulky and heavy, and the razor is intimidating. 

I loved the size and handling capabilities of the Scotch® Brand precision utility knife. It’s small and fits well in my hand, yet cut the board and map like butter. 
Perfect!

Next, you’ll need your spray adhesive to attach the map to the foam core board. I liked how easy the Scotch® Brand Super 77 Spray Adhesive was to reposition my map when I didn’t stick it down correctly onto the board the first time. I was able to reposition it, and realized that if you start at the top, and slowly press down from top to bottom, you should be able to place your map perfectly. Once I had it in place, I pressed the entire map down, and it didn’t budge.

The typography is next. Don’t quit on me now, anyone can do this, trust me. 

I’ve created a pretty quote in my favorite typography font that you can click and save and use for yourself. You’ll just need to print it to the correct size to fit your particular map art.

Place your carbon paper under the print, and simply trace the outline of your words.

It’ll leave an outline of your letters, ready to fill in.

Then, using paint (my preference) or a marker, fill in your letters just like you would a coloring book. This is crafting for adults after all, and you know how much we’re into our adult coloring books these days.

Hanging is easy using Command™ picture hanging strips. I purchased the ones that hold up to 16 lbs and won’t damage my newly painted walls. My husband almost had a fit thinking I was going to be nailing into our walls after they were just all patched up, but the Command™ strips are the best the damage free solution.

Like I said before, this vintage map wall art makes a great gift. 
Here are some customization ideas-

For a wedding gift- Add the couple’s wedding date and use a part of a map that shows the city they’ll be living once they’re married, or even the city where they first met.

As a graduation gift- Include the “Class of” date and display at a graduation party, and have all the guests sign the map.

For Mother’s Day or Father’s Day- Instead of a travel quote, add the names and birthdays of all the family members and cut the map to display the city the family lives.

The possibilities are endless. You could paint your frame a different color, use brighter colors for the typography. Make it completely custom for your or your gift recipients own decor.

What are some of the other ways you can think of to use this unique map wall art? 

I’d love to know, so feel free to comment below & share!

In the meantime, you can find more Spring Creations inspiration from Scotch® Brand & Command™ on Pinterest and Online.