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Map Crafts with Mod Podge You’ll Have to Try!

Who doesn’t love maps decoupaged to everything? Here are 30+ unique map crafts using Mod Podge to inspire you – and to decorate your home.

Mod Podge Map Crafts

I said it recently in the Mod Podge Rocks Facebook group and I’ll say it again here – we should all be decoupaging maps to everything. Okay, maybe that’s not such a great idea, but I really love Mod Podge map crafts. Aren’t they awesome?

When I first started thinking about putting together a collection of decoupaged map projects, I didn’t realize that I would find so many. I was pleasantly surprised. I’m excited to share with you!

How to Decoupage with Maps

Before we dig in, I want to give you my top tips for decoupaging with maps. It’s not always straightforward, and sometimes they wrinkle. Here’s what you should always keep in mind:

  • YOU CAN USE REAL MAPS. In your map crafts. In case you were wondering. They won’t bleed. There are maps with a waterproof coating on them and laminated maps . . . I wouldn’t recommend those. They won’t work well with Mod Podge.
  • PRINT ON LASERJET, for those printing the maps. If you’re doing a smaller surface like magnets, you can print on inkjet and seal on both sides to prevent bleeding while Mod Podging. But if you can possibly print on laserjet, especially if you’re doing something larger, do that.
  • MIST THINNER MAPS WITH WATER. Do this before using them with Mod Podge. You can see an example of what I’m talking about here. In the project, I used wrapping paper on a coat rack, and a small amount of water kept me from getting wrinkles. For furniture, you’ll definitely want to use water because you have a bigger surface area to cover.
  • USE HARD COAT MOD PODGE for furniture. Honestly you can use the same formula for any of these map projects, and Hard Coat is fine.
  • USE A BRAYER if you have a larger surface (like furniture). It will really help you to work quickly and remove the wrinkles.
  • TRIM WITH A CRAFT KNIFE OR SAND the edges of your project to remove the excess map. Trimming with an X-Acto works great, and sanding with a nail file is perfect for removing extra map material.

I hope these help you and I’d definitely love to hear any of your tips. Scroll down to see over 30 awesome projects using maps, and I think you are going to love all of them. Let me know your favorites in the comments!


Map Crafts

If you like decoupage with maps, you're going to love this collection of craft ideas! Check out these 20+ map crafts, perfect for decorating your home or gifting.


If you enjoyed these map crafts, I’d love for you to check out these other home decor ideas as well:

Tonia

Friday 5th of April 2013

I would love to know where you get your maps.

Amy

Friday 5th of April 2013

Hi Tonia! You can typically get them from a thrift store . . . or a drug store . . . or you can print up online!

jan

Monday 1st of April 2013

hello, I would really like the instructions for making the canvas maps. The link says page not found. Please help, I love this idea!

Thanks, Jan

Amy

Monday 1st of April 2013

Hi there! Link updated:

katie

Thursday 21st of March 2013

Oh I love all these map crafts!!! Great round-up!

Beth @ Free Stylin'

Monday 11th of March 2013

So many great ideas!! Thanks for including the map wall in my boys' room. They love it!

Anila

Wednesday 6th of March 2013

I wish i can get modpodge in my country but its not here in pakistan :(