I love traveling to new places with friends and family. Often times I get a map of where I’m going or where I’ve been. After awhile you have lots of maps and no place to put them. I love turning them into artwork within my home. This particular project was when my mom came to visit in the winter and we went to Squaw Valley. The maps used are of the ski resort there.

Supplies

Maps, Modpodge, some type of cardboard or paper machine sculpture (I used a deer head), wood planks for mounting, glue gun, picture hanger, black metal brackets

Step 1: Prepare Your Object & Materials

Gather all of your materials. Explore the map(s) and determine where you each part of the map will fit on your object your covering. In this case I enjoyed the ski run paths going straight down the deer’s nose.

Step 2: Begin Cutting & ModPodging

Begin cutting the map in strips and placing them on the object where you would like them to go. The first layer is just the base so if it’s not perfect it will eventually get covered by other pieces. ModPodge the object and begin placing the pieces of map on your object.

Step 3: Layer, Layer Layer

You will keep layering different pieces and will have to cut some pieces around the corners and narrow spaces.

Step 4: Trust the Process

As you are placing the maps you will begin to worry that it’s not looking cohesive, however once the project is done you will never notice if things are not facing the right way or sideways. That is the best part of using a map versus a book page. Most maps go all different directions.

Step 5: Continue Until Entire Object Is Covered

You will continue layering the map and putting the special parts of the map in the places you want them in. Once you think you are done, let it dry overnight. Fresh eyes will find spots to fill in the next day. Plus, everyone needs a break from reading such small print!

Step 6: Once You Think You're Done

Are you happy with how it’s covered? Now the mounting part. I took old fence planks and cut them to three equal pieces and stained them. I then glued the head to the boards and then screwed into the back of the head with a screw. It’s not the most effective way of handing it but it works.