Today I'm going to show you how to create this over sized wall map I created for the boys room. I love the look of great big maps on the wall. I thought about cutting out sections of the map and framing them, but this method was much more cost effective and gave me exactly the look I was going for. This entire project only cost me about $26!
{Here are the materials you will need}
+ a large over sized map (make sure it is NOT laminated)
I used this one from Amazon. Only $7!
+ four large pieces of canvas
(I got mine from Hobby Lobby. They were 16 x 20 and came in packs of two for only $7)
+ foam paint brush
+ 8 oz. tub of mod podge (I used the matte finish)
I originally thought it would be easier to attach the map to the canvas with craft bond spray, but the Mod Podge worked better. And I thought about giving it an antique look with the stain but decided that I liked it better with the map color on it's own.
Step 1: Lay out the canvas mats onto the map covering the sections of the map that you would like to use. I wanted the top and bottom sections of the map to match up as close as possible. Lightly trace around the borders of the canvas with a pencil and cut out with a paper cutter for a straight finished edge.
Step 2: Place the
map upside down on a table right next to the canvas and apply a very
thick coat of Mod Podge. Quickly transfer the backside of the map
covered in Mod Podge to the front of the canvas. It is hard to move it
once it has been placed, so be careful to match up all of the corners.
Take a ruler or flat object and slide it across the map to smooth out
any bubbles. Don't worry too much if some sections are lifted, as it
dries the bubbles should go away. Wait a few hours for Mod Podge to dry.
Step 3: Paint the Mod Podge over the front of the map in long straight strokes. Make sure to get plenty of Mod Podge on the brush. I only had to go over the map with one coat, but you can do more depending on the look you want. Let dry completely before hanging. The Mod Podge makes the color on the map even more vibrant.
And that's it! Make sure to hang each section evenly, only a few inches apart, for a nice finished look.
WOW! I seriously love this! I bought a vintage map a while back. It's not huge, but good sized. I wonder if this would work with a smaller one as well??
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it would. The nice thing is that it will look bigger than the actual map is because the canvas will be spaced apart. Good luck!
DeleteThis is so perfect. My husband loves maps and would love any excuse to hang them on the wall as decoration. Thanks for the tutorial, I will definitely be doing this soon.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing project. And cheap too!! I think I'm gonna go with a vintage map/old world map for our dining room. My hubs is way into this!! Thank you thank you!
ReplyDeleteAn old vintage map would look great like this too!
Deletethis is beautiful!! i love the look
ReplyDeleteCiara
lovely-darling.blogspot.com
I love this idea! We love to have maps all over the place, but they end up tattered when all in one piece.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Love this idea....thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI love maps as art work and this is a delight! I always love using glue as a varnish, really does make them shine.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I might have to do it for my boys rooms. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteCreamy
This is a great idea! Do you know what size your map was (before cutting it)?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what size it was origionally. It should say on the link to the map. Maybe 5 ft by 4 ft?
DeleteI am offended you cut out Australia, otherwise though... it looks excellent!
ReplyDeleteReally disappointed with this tutorial. I followed your instructions word for word and used all of the same products. My maps turned out bubbly and wrinkly and look absolutely terrible. I have no idea how you managed to smooth out the map with a ruler, the mod podge reacted so much with the paper it was a lost battle. A complete waste of my time, money, and energy.
ReplyDelete