How to Make a Map Ring

I made a box from layered paper some time ago, since then I've wanted to try to make other things using this method, one idea I had was to make a ring. Seeing that maps seem to be rather popular right now I made my ring from strips of paper cut from a map.  In this instructable I will show you how to make one of your own.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

• Map -street map, country or world map, it is up to you, some are more colourful than others.
• Rotary cutter and mat or scissors
• PVA glue (ie; white glue)
• Glue stick
• Tape
• Ring sizer -I didn't have one so I used something that had the same circumference as my finger

Step 2: Cut

For a ring that was 2 mm thick I used a 150 cm of paper, it doesn't have to be a continuous piece (my map wasn't that long) you can just connect smaller strips to get the total length of 150 cm.  The strips I cut were 5 mm wide giving a ring of the same width.  You can adjust the width (by cutting wider strips) and thickness (by increasing the total length) to suit your preferences.

Step 3: Wind

Attach one end of a strip to the ring sizer with a bit of tape and begin winding the strip around.  As you wind, rub the glue stick against the paper so that the layers will stick together.  As you wind, make sure that the edges line up.  Add more strips as needed.  The last few centimeters of the paper will be the outside of the ring so make sure it has something interesting or colourful on it.

Step 4: Glue

Wiggle the ring free from the tape and pull it off of the sizer.  With a brush paint the PVA glue onto the whole surface of the ring.  I found it was easier to pour some of the glue into a small container and dip the ring in. You need the ring to be completely and evenly coated with the glue.  Once fully covered in glue hang it to dry (I hung my ring on a zip cable held by a photo clip).  While it is drying, rotate the ring every so often so that it doesn't stick to what it is hanging from and the glue doesn't pool.

Comments

[chubawabu]

amazing idea!

[ChrysN]

Thanks!

[emilyvanleemput]

bye bye old magazines!

[hammer9876]

I can't help but think what happens when you wash your hands. Is this PVA glue water resistant?

[mslaynie]

It'd be interesting to do a few layers of epoxy resin over the whole thing. You'd end up with a glossy finish as well!

[atomicrose]

Yes, I was thinking epoxy resin, too. Good suggestion. I'd like to try this project with dictionary pages. I have an old dictionary that has completely fallen apart, so there is a lot to work with.

[ChrysN]

Using an old dictionary is a great idea, I'd love to see it when it's done.

[mrmath]

I'd suggest you start with thinner strips, and work your way up to thicker strips, then work your way back down to thinner strips. Imagine a cross section like the shape of a half closed eye, or like this: ().. It will provide a more comfortable fit. of course, you'd have to have it be a little thicker in the middle: (|).

[ChrysN]

Thanks, that is a good idea, I actually tried tapering the paper strips at the ends but it wasn't enough to get the effect that you described.
Another option is to sand the edges of the ring. With the paper soaked in glue it actually dries fairly ridged and you are able to cut or sand it as I did in my previous instructable with layered paper. Unfortunately, I posted this in a bit of a rush so I wasn't able to play around with it as much as I'd like. (Perhaps when I get back from vacation I'll revisit this).

[nanosec12]

I think that if you attempted the 'tapered' effect you would end up with too much of the white 'rough' edge of the paper, and lose the great colors. Might have to try one of each to see how it works.

[ayer]

It would be cool if you didn't destroy de map and could use it when travelling, consult it and fold it back into a ring to carry with you.

[ChrysN]

That's a great idea, perhaps you can fold an origami ring from a map instead of gluing it.

[Wasagi]

These are really great!

[pthompsen]

Just remember to keep that rotary cutter dedicated to cutting paper. Paper will reallly dull it and make it worthless for cutting fabric ever again.

[mojobear]

That's just what my mother used to say! If we got caught cutting paper with her "good" scissors, we got in plenty big trouble.

I don't sew, but as a parent all I wanted was for my children to put them back where they found them.

[sunshiine]

Very clever idea! It looks so unusual to make things out of maps! Nice job ChrysN! I enjoy viewing your ibles because they are always different! Thanks for sharing and have a stupendous day!

[ChrysN]

Thank you, you are very kind!

[sunshiine]

You are welcome! Have a nice day!
Sunshiine

[CeruleanPhoenix]

Fantastic, this is perfect for my friends who are moving out of town, and since we are in Vegas there is an abundance of free/cheap maps!

[mikeasaurus]

Wow, these look awesome!
I wonder how these would look with a few coats of shiny epoxy?

[ChrysN]

Thanks, these would look really great if they were shinier.