Map picture frame and other map crafts

I was all set to work on our weekly blog post last week but ended up coming down with Walking Pneumonia.  I’m not sure how I managed to stay healthy all winter but come down with Pneumonia right as the weather gets beautiful but that’s what happened!  Fortunately, I have a great business partner who was able to jump in and give another update of her beautiful kitchen.  It’s so fun to see the progress!

Hope all of you had a wonderful Mother’s Day! I had the privilege of getting away with my oldest daughter, Ingrid, to a retreat center (Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center) where we led one of the creative activities: embellished picture frames.  We had piles of craft materials for the ladies to be creative with.  I chose to use a PA map for my craft frame.  I’ve been into maps lately so they’re all over my house right now in various forms.

I finally got around to making my Minnesota Map wreath for the mantle.  For directions on how to make this click here.

Map orbs: (directions)

I like to call these “mini globes”: (directions for these are the same as for our upcycled Christmas balls)

And finally, the Map Picture Frame:

 This would also make a great Father’s Day gift.  These frames are super easy!  All you need is a plain flat wooden frame  (this one was purchased from Michael’s for $1), Mod Podge and a map.

Directions:  Trace the frame onto the map making careful note of the direction of your photograph that will be used for the frame.  Using a foam brush, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the surface of the frame.  Place the cut out map on top of the glue and adjust.  Allow to dry and apply another coat of Mod Podge to the top of the map.  Use an xacto knife to clean up any edges that may be hanging over the edge too far.  Apply several more coats of Mod Podge if desired.  I used a Sharpie to write the date on the frame and to note the location of the retreat where we were staying.

For a larger map project you could try your hand at making this cute map dresser (Refreshrestyle):

Maps are a great way of personalizing your decorating and commemorating a favorite location, whether it’s your hometown or a favorite vacation spot.  Hope you try one of these simple projects!

Happy crafting!

Elizabeth