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School Yourself in Making a Retro-Style Hanging Map

This easy DIY project conjures schoolroom pull-down maps of yore, without all the memorizing

Lauren Donaldson April 26, 2012

I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over at Lauren Elise Crafted where I highlight crafts, DIYs and tutorials, photography, vintage finds, and all things lovely.

I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over at Lauren... More

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I have such nostalgia for retro school supplies. They have a beautiful simplicity to them, with great graphic design and stylized fonts. Some of my favorite items from bygone classrooms are the pull-down maps that teachers used to hang above their chalkboards. Since maps are no strangers to home decor, I thought these former educational tools could find current use in the homes of travel enthusiasts. I imagined a do-it-yourself project that would intrigue map lovers as well as embody the details we love in retro supplies. This ideabook shows you how to make your own vintage-style hanging map.

Lauren Donaldson

Personalize this project by highlighting a part of the globe that is special to you. Did you get engaged in Paris? Hang a map of The City of Light. Did you go on a life-changing tour through Tuscany? Show off a map of Italy.

Lauren Donaldson

This hanging map would look great paired with old postcards, vintage finds and your special travel souvenirs. Adding these personal touches not only will remind you of fun times, but will also give your visitors a glimpse into your life.

Lauren Donaldson

Supplies:

small vintage map (mine is a page cut from an old, discarded atlas)
thin wood dowels
twine
tacky glue
scissors
pencil

Lauren Donaldson

1. Trim the map to the size you want. Mine was a page from a book, so I cut away the white borders.

2. Cut the wood dowels to size. I wanted my dowels to have a 1½-inch overhang on either side of the map. My map was 9½ inches wide, so my dowels were each 12½ inches long.

Lauren Donaldson

3. Put tacky glue on the wood dowel where the map will be placed. Center the dowel on the front of the map and press down to adhere. Do the same with the second dowel.

Lauren Donaldson

Allow time to dry.

Lauren Donaldson

4. Cut a piece of twine (mine was about 16 inches long). Put two dabs of glue on the back of the top dowel. Place the ends of the twine in the glue and allow to dry and adhere.

Lauren Donaldson

Once dry and secure, your new retro-inspired map is ready for hanging.

Lauren Donaldson

Inspired by maps? Get more ideas about how to bring maps into your decor:

Expand Your Horizons With Map Wallpaper and Decals

A World View: Decorating With Maps

Comment3

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Comments (3)

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Lauren Donaldson

The map is a page from an old atlas I found at a vintage store. That page happened to be loose and I liked the blue and green color scheme.

Like May 1, 2012 at 9:00AM

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cheripower

Lauren, very creative, and as a Newfoundlander, I love that you chose our province!

1 Like May 4, 2012 at 2:33PM

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mmsalg

I have noticed a fascination with maps in design. I have attched two super cool map ideas, one that "Tells a Story" and the other a custom "Navigational Map". Both are super cool, unique ideas that will add so much personal style into a space.

marcie
http://custom.co/hz/69