Long before GPS units and smart phones existed, we used atlases and road maps to help us get from place to place. Following those maps was a quintessential part of each and every family vacation we took throughout my childhood. And now as a crafty adult, I still love a good vintage map…including crafting with one. Thankfully, there are all sorts of upcycling craft ideas for them, and I can’t wait to show you some of my favorites.
Paper Roses
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
I don’t know if it’s the bright pink edges or the colorful patterns inside each “blossom”, but I simply ADORE these vintage map roses! So much so that I need to make a bouquet of them myself.
Personal Portholes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sure, framing vintage maps is a great way to create interesting wall decor for an office, study, or other room in your home. But using antique oval frames gives them such unique character, as if you’re opening a portal to memories of previous homes and beloved places…
Vintage Map Clock
Image credit: Mod Podge Rocks.
Thanks to DIY clock kits, there are lots of ways to create unique wall clocks for your home. But this one- using an old city map– might be my new favorite. The colors, street grid, and notable landmarks definitely give this DIY wall clock a uniquely special look.
Drawer Liners
Image credit: Vintage Junky.
Who says your drawers need to be lined with contact paper or some other marketed drawer liner material? Old roadmaps are actually a great medium for this home improvement project. Because of how large they can unfold, you have a lot of leeway for extra large or long/narrow drawers. So smart!
Nostalgic Pendant
Image credit: Happy Hour Projects.
I’ve made a lot of upcycled jewelry in my day, but for whatever reason, I’ve never created a piece with a vintage map. But after seeing how CUTE this one turned out, I might have to make something similar. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that this one showcases both Chicago (where I’m from) and St. Joseph, Michigan (where I summered as a child), so…
Paper Leaf Wreath
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Vintage maps are ideal for so many paper crafts, and this fall leaf wreath is no exception. I love how the map graphics give extra interest to each “oak leaf”, too- like extra veining in each one.
Shadow Box Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s proof that a vintage map doesn’t even need to be unfolded for a craft project. In this case, I created a nostalgic shadow box featuring matchboxes and other bits from my hometown- including a vintage map.
Furniture Makeovers
Image credit: A Diamond in the Stuff.
Because vintage maps and road atlas pages have such fun colors and graphics, they’re ideal for this DIY idea. Incorporating them into furniture makeovers like this is a fun way to cover drawers with something eye catching and inexpensive.
Vintage Map Magnets
Image credit: Mod Podge Rocks.
DIY magnets are a fun craft project for parties, happy hours, and other low-key get togethers. And this version would be especially fun because it uses snippets of vintage maps– which means everyone can share their map supplies and keep costs low. I’d love to have an entire set of magnets featuring places I’ve lived, vacationed to, etc.
Map-Lined Shade
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Here’s a fun way to add a little interest to an existing lampshade of yours. Lining the inside with a vintage roadmap gives it such a unique and intriguing look, doesn’t it? And I can only imagine how cool it looks when it’s lit from within, too.
Celebrating Santa’s Route
Image credit: Lora Bloomquist.
Santa Claus travels the world every Christmas Eve night, so why not incorporate the world into your Christmas decor? I absolutely LOVE this idea with an old world map…and then embellishing the festive display with gorgeous old ornaments that highlight the map’s gorgeous color palette.
Embroidering a Vintage Map
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I know some folks find them boring, but (to me) nothing beats a good old-fashioned road trip when it comes to vacations. And carefully embroidering your route is such a fantastic way to memorialize a fun road trip- especially if you thumbed your nose at the interstates and used the backroads, too.
Embellished Bookcase
Image credit: My Creative Days.
Ok, we’ve seen old maps lining drawers and drawer fronts, but what about covering the interior of a bookcase or hutch? I think we’re three-for-three when it comes to using old maps on furniture makeovers, because this one looks amazing, too!
Decorative Tray
Image credit: A Spoonful of Sugar.
A thrift store tray that’s in need of a makeover is an ideal candidate for decoupage. Afterall, that flat, smooth real estate is the perfect blank canvas for it. And using a colorful snippet of a vintage map is a great idea. Why? Because the art of decoupage helps to naturally smooth out all those folded creases in the map paper.
Christmas Ornaments
Image credit: A Diamond in the Stuff.
Clear ball ornaments- glass or plastic- offer endless possibilities when it comes to filling or covering them. So, why not use a vintage map to do so? Especially if you’ve already been crafting from it and are left with smaller pieces and various scraps.
Vintage Map Gift Bags
Image credit: Eclectically Vintage/Kelly Elko.
Why have I never thought of making my own gift bags from vintage paper stuffs in my stash? Because this idea- using sheet music, vintage maps, or large magazine pages- is a fantastic paper craft that anyone can do.
Curious Cork Board
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Hexagon-shaped cork tiles are extra interesting for all sorts of crafts, aren’t they? And when decoupaged with maps, you can highlight a few favorite cities in a unique and eye-catching way- and still use it as a functional cork board.
Window Framed
Image credit: Robb Restyle.
As someone who loves both vintage maps AND old windows, this project idea is a match made in heaven. Salvaged windows are a great way to showcase all sorts of things behind the glass panes, and a vintage map is no exception. And that subtle nod to traveling to the world outside your window isn’t lost on me, either!
Vintage Map Crafts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope this collection of upcycled crafts with old maps has given you all sorts of inspiration. Check out your local antique malls for vintage maps- and maybe even a Creative Reuse Center or two, too. Either way, vintage road maps are extra special when it comes to paper crafting, and the end results look amazing.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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