Traveler's Pin Map

A few years ago, my husband and I were searching for the perfect gift to give my dad for Christmas and found the perfect gift in a catalog.  It was a world map where he could pin all of his travels (he traveled extensively with his employment).  Only problem was, the map was retailing for near $200.  In true Krista fashion I thought, "I can make one of those for a fraction of the cost".   To date, it has been one of the best received gifts I have made for anyone.  My dad's jaw dropped and he immediately got busy "pinning" his travels.

Fast forward a few years.  Maps in decorating are "IN" in a big way.  I decided we needed to make one for our own family travels.  We don't anticipate any world travels anytime soon, so I made a United States travel version for my family. 

It is a very easy project requiring these basic materials:

• Map of desired size/appearance
• Foam core (enough to fit size of map)
• Spray adhesive
• Frame (no glass needed)
• Pins (I used straight pins with small glass beads glued to the end)  You could also just purchase pins that already have the colored balls on the end.
• Stencil and paint (If desired) OR vinyl lettering

First, you will want to purchase a map and a frame.  I purchased the map I liked first and then looked for a frame to fit it.  Luckily, the thrift store fairies helped me out and I was able to find this frame for $8!

My friend spray paint paid a visit and spiffed this old frame right up!

Next, you will need to cut your foam core to fit the opening of your frame.  Since my map is HUGE, I had to duct tape three sheets of foam core together. 

At this point, I measured my map against the foam core and had to trim it just a bit.

Third, you will need to attach the map to the foam core.  I used 3M brand spray adhesive.  I started at one end and slowly sprayed and worked my way to the other end pressing and smoothing as I went.  You want to aviod getting air bubbles, so working in smaller sections at a time helps with this. 

Add an extra layer of cardboard or foam core if needed to the back of your map.  You don't want your pins reaching the wall.

Fourth, and only if desired, you can add lettering.  I thought "Been there.....Done that" would be appropriate.  I thought about doing the lettering in vinyl, but I am tired of that "perfect look" it creates so I opted for a more weathered lettering.  To get this look, I used a sponge brush lightly coated with paint and brushed a lot of the paint off on a paper towel.  I dapped the paint in a thin and imperfect layer on purpose.   Any one else out there tired of perfect vinyl lettering?  I think I will write a blog post about how tired I am of "Perfect vinyl".  I think I have vinyled way too much in my house already. LOL.  Anyways, if that is the look you are going for  vinyl  would work nicely too.

FYI:  Been is spelled b-e-e-n, not b-e-s-n.  I just used an "s" as a spacer : )

Now for the fun part......pinning all your travels.  You could decide to pin places you've been, places you plan to go, places you have lived, places traveled for work, etc.  Just use a different color pin for each.  My family had a great time pinning and reminiscing about our past trips.  We even started conversations about the next places we would like to go.  

This project only cost me $20!   I think that is pretty good considering it is about three feet by five feet.

HAPPY CRAFTING. HAPPY TRAVELS.