There is something about vintage maps that I adore. It must be the faded colors, or printing styles, or maybe the artwork, or just the funny village names. No doubt this one’s a treasure! Today I’m going to show how to make a DIY wall map, to add to your decor.
I’m guessing the vintage map is circa 1890 to 1900 based on the artist’s rendering. It was designed to be folded into a convenient pocket-size booklet for cyclist and tourist. It also has a brief historical account of the region, road routes for cyclists, railway rates and an index of towns and villages.
After carefully removing the map from the booklet I gathered the following supplies.
Supplies
- 2 dowels
- hot glue gun and glue sticks
- painters tape
- ribbon (or string)
You may be wondering why I put painters tape on the supply list, so I’ll explain. This particular tape is for delicate surfaces and even though the map is in very good condition, I didn’t want to damage the back of the map with hot glue. My thought was that if I didn’t like the way the map looked mounted on the dowels, I could dismantle without harming the back.
If I were using the same technique on something less delicate, I might not use the painters tape. It’s just a suggestion and completely optional depending on your needs.
Steps
- Cut dowels to the desired length.
- Add tape to top and bottom edges on the back of the map.
- Using a glue gun add hot glue to top edge and quickly press dowel in place. Repeat on the bottom edge.
- Tie a ribbon or string to the dowel on each side of the map to hang.
For added interest I used a piece of black ribbon with a white camera pattern as the hanger. I think it add a touristy feel to the vintage map and looks great in the guest room over the bed.
Well, what do you think? It’s a simple project and makes an interesting focal point above the bed in the guest room, although it might get moved to the studio so I can enjoy it too. If you have questions or comments I would love to hear from you. Hope you have a great week ahead!
Cheers!
Shop the look! Source list for the guest room provided for your convenience and contains affiliate links.
©2018 DIY Wall Map first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™
Love maps…especially of areas that mean something to us. Pinning for future use!
Thank you so much Janet for pinning and stopping by! 🙂
Vintage maps are special! I like the way you’ve mounted and hung yours. It looks great with the bedding in the room.
Years ago when I was a beginning teacher, I bought stacks of old maps at Half Price Books. It’s amazing to look back on maps of other countries and realize names that no longer exist.
Every time I look at this map I see something I didn’t notice before. You’re right vintage maps are special. Thanks so much for stopping by!
That is SO stinking smart to use the painter’s tape! I would totally do this on any piece I used this process on! Go you! Happily pinned!
Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by and pinning!
I like your map project, Michelle! I’m glad that you used the Frog tape to protect the map so that you can remount it later back into it’s booklet. Pinned to my Crafts and Sewing board to save for later. Such an easy and fun project!
Happy spring,
Barb 🙂
Thanks for pinning Barb! Have a great weekend!
A great way to show off that cool maps. I also love maps and even decoupage them on magazine files.
Great idea Mary! Have a great week!
Michelle,
There is something to adore about the soft colors of old maps. Using the Frog tape is a good idea to avoid damaging the map. Love this idea and the look!
Judith
Thanks so much Judith! Hope others will find it useful as well. 🙂