This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for details.
Maps are more than just guides; they are windows to memories, dreams, and personal travel stories. Whether you’re an avid explorer or a home-decor enthusiast, DIY map projects offer a unique and highly personalized way to decorate your space.
You can use these ideas to make a classic vintage old world map. People literally use coffee to bring old effect with books. It must be an interesting technique to try. You can also make State or Province wall art or a country wall art. Simply use world map outline using world map image and you are ready to roll.
Make a world map to record your world travel or test your kids world knowledge. There are interactive world maps and educational globes which serve the purpose more efficiently. However, the intend of DIY world map wall art projects is to decorate your home. You can make wooden maps, vinyl maps, printable maps, large wall maps or even chalkboard magnetic maps. Finally, be sure to find accurate world map for your projects. Note that the size of continents has been revised in the latest world map.
Maps are more than just tools for navigation—they’re symbols of adventure, discovery, and personal journeys. Whether you’re a travel lover, a teacher looking for geography activities, or a DIY enthusiast searching for creative map crafts, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. In this guide, we’ll share DIY map tutorials that transform ordinary maps into stunning décor, meaningful gifts, and educational projects.
1. Decoupage with Maps: The Foundation for Many Crafts
Decoupage is the art of gluing paper cutouts to an object and then coating the object with varnish. It’s the most popular method for applying maps to three-dimensional objects or furniture.
The Map:
You can use real maps (old atlases, road maps), or printables. For large projects, printing on a laser jet printer is highly recommended to prevent the ink from running when applying the adhesive.
The Adhesive:
Mod Podge is the industry standard. Use Hard Coat Mod Podge for furniture or items that will see heavy use.
Preventing Wrinkles:
Thin paper maps should be lightly misted with water before application. For large surfaces like tabletops or walls, a brayer (a small hand-held roller) is essential to smooth out air bubbles and wrinkles quickly.
Finishing Touches:
Once dry, use a sharp craft knife or sandpaper to neatly trim any excess map paper from the edges.
Framed and Canvas Map Art
For flat art, the key is proper alignment and presentation.
1. Simple Framing:
The fastest 10-minute DIY map art involves simply trimming a special map (perhaps a vintage find or a print of a beloved city) and placing it in a stylish frame, such as one from IKEA.
2. Peel-and-Stick World Map Frame Art
Make a world map using peel-and-stick decal to mark your travels around the world with sharpie on a frame.
3. DIY Canvas World Map
Use Mod Podge to affix the map to a stretched canvas. For a professional look, try tracing an ombre or watercolor background onto the canvas before adhering your map cutout.
DIY Map Tutorials For Kids
These projects range in difficulty but all result in stunning, personalized map home decor.
4. Captain-Style Rolling Map
Make a rolled up wall art world map for kids.
5. Country Map with Labels
A green canvas vintage world map for school hanging with wooden poles and string.
6. World Map Furniture Makeover
Give a plain end table, drawer front, or shelf interior a vintage map finish using the decoupage technique or paint with abstract art technique. You may need a stencil and alcohol inks to mix and form patterns.
Creative Map Crafts
7. Stained Wood World Map Art
Use a stencil or paintbrush to stain a wooden world map art.
8. Black and White Chalkboard Map
Make a world map or country map with DIY chalkboard paint and chalk pens on a sheet of metal. Pin collected travel magnets to show places you have visited on a magnetic board map.
9. Fabric Patches World Map
Have some fabrics scraps use them to DIY patchwork map art.
Large Scale Personalized Travel Decor
10. DIY Magnetic Map Puzzle
Cut out states and join them together using magnetic strips for a fun and interaction piece of art.
11. Illustrative Map on Canvas
A creative magnetic world map painting using acrylic paints and sharpies to bring imagination to life. This is great for kid’s playroom or bedroom.
12. Recycled World Map Art
Make a map with old license plates, corks, bottle caps, and other upcyclable materials.
13. Large Printed World Map
Large Printable world maps can be printed at staples or office stores using architect print services.
Travel diaries on world map
14. Easy Painted Country Map
Spray paint using a stencil to create a world map on cork board. This makes a cool travel DIY map bulletin board.
15. String Art Map
A popular and engaging DIY map wall decor trend involves tracing a map outline onto a wooden board, hammering small nails along the perimeter, and connecting the points with colored string or thread. This creates a stunning, textural string art piece.
16. World Travel Map Bulletin Board
Make a world travel map with burlap and paper cutouts. Print a world map picture and outline using the pencil on paper. Cut it out and stick to a cord board frame.
Upcycled Map Ideas
17. Modern World Map Art
Use ombre technique to make background on the canvas. Trace and color the world map image.
18. Canvas World Map
Make a painted world map on canvas to pin your travel.
Common Questions About DIY Map
1. What kind of maps are best for crafting?
Vintage maps from old atlases (often found at thrift stores or used bookstores) offer beautiful, muted colors. Road maps are great for small projects like keychains. For large projects, printable World Map files offer control over size and color.
2. How do you make your map look ‘aged’ or vintage?
To get a rustic look, you can gently crinkle your map paper before applying it. You can also lightly brush the edges with coffee or tea, or an antique-colored ink pad, before sealing it.
3. Can you make a map on wood?
Yes! This is ideal for a rustic map wall art look. You can use decoupage or a transfer method (using a printer and a gel medium) to move the map image directly onto raw or stained wood panels/pallets.
4. How do you protect your finished map craft?
For items that will be handled (like furniture, coasters, or jewelry), use multiple coats of a water-resistant sealant. Mod Podge Hard Coat or a clear acrylic spray sealant works well. For extreme durability, consider a layer of epoxy resin.
Related: Best Sealer: How to Waterproof Acrylic Paint on Rocks, Wood, Glass Crafts
5. Where can you find free printable maps?
Search for “public domain maps” or “free vintage map downloads.” Many government archives and library digital collections offer high-resolution maps that are free to use for personal projects.
6. Can you make map crafts without damaging original maps?
Yes! Use photocopies, printable maps, or digital scans to preserve originals while still crafting.
DIY map tutorials are an incredible way to blend your passion for geography, travel, and home decor into a single, meaningful craft. By applying techniques like decoupage with maps and utilizing readily available materials, you can create a gallery of personalized travel decor that truly tells your story.
Start your next adventure in crafting today by gathering some maps—old or new—and selecting your first project!
You May Also Like:
Beginner’s Guide: Embroidery Journaling Your Threaded Story
