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.
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!
1
Map Chair
Learn how to Mod Podge a chair with maps using this tutorial!
Want a stylish way to pay homage to your favorite travel destinations or the places you've lived? Apply maps to side tables or accent walls. Any atlas pages or city or state maps will do-and their pastel hues inspire a coordinating color scheme.
Use paint, map scraps, and adhesive letters to make these cute containers. You can put these terra cotta pots outside with real plants in them (seal the inside too), or on your desk for organization purposes.
This end table makeover was done with map wrapping paper! Smooth it down onto a tabletop and let it dry . . . then add rope around the edge for a nautical touch.
I love easy map crafts, and this is not only that . . . but it's inexpensive too! Claire used an IKEA piece, painted it, then added a map on top with Mod Podge. I love the results!
Carrie loves a good map craft, so she decided to tackle one with this a typewriter table. She decoupage this metal stand and then coated it with resin. I love the colors of the maps she chose.
A map of the Bahamas was chosen for this cute, nautical themed tray! You can grab a tray from the Goodwill and paint it to complete this project on a budget.
Grab some acrylic shapes or clear glass marbles to make these map magnets! Capture places you've been or locations with a special meaning. These make great gifts.
Storage units and shelving can be really boring! Dinah spiced up her drawers with some maps, and the results make me want to decoupage every drawer in this space.
Jodi's console table was so dark! I love she fixed it up with some pretty paint and a map. You have to see the before and after . . . such a difference!
I'm well aware that the title is a little funny, but the results are worth the joke! Make these foam map covered balls for your home decor – they would look great in a display vase or bowl.
Jen had a vintage piece that reminds me of a bookshelf from my childhood . . . and she covered it in maps! I love how she added the map accents to the drawers. I never would have thought of that, but it's perfect.
Sometimes a little decorative touch can totally transform something mundane into something rather more remarkable. This is one of those map crafts with wow factor! The map is INSIDE the lamp shade, and while it's subtle, that's what I think is so "wow" about it.
These DIY map coasters are super easy so break out your Mod Podge and learn how to make them! You might even need a few sets as these make great gifts as well.
Do I eat dinner in front of the television? Sometimes! And for those days, I need a TV tray! There are the standard ones, but this is such a cute version, and you should try it with a map and Mod Podge.
Jazz up those boring LED candles! Get our free antique world map printables, and we’ll show you how to use them to make these awesome decoupage candles!
I know I already shared a map lampshade, but if one is good enough, why not two? Learn how Steph revamped an already existing lamp . . . I love the ribbon trim!
It's hard to find a map or paper large enough to cover a larger table; but you don't have to! This was done patchwork style with a book of maps, and the finished result is fantastic.
So glad I saw this..I have a nice map that I actually had in my hand just a few seconds ago and I was getting ready to trash it. Then I thought, no, I’m going to keep it…THEN I found this!!! Thanks!!! 🙂
So glad I saw this..I have a nice map that I actually had in my hand just a few seconds ago and I was getting ready to trash it. Then I thought, no, I’m going to keep it…THEN I found this!!! Thanks!!! 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing our desk! It is still one of our favorite projects! Take care, Laura
I have lots of AAA maps from our trips – can’t wait to try out some of these great ideas!
Great ideas! These are some great tips to try out at the school where I volunteer. 🙂 Thanks for sharing & inspiration.
I love this round up!! Decoupaging maps is definitely easier than folding them. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing my map crate. I love this round up!
I wish i can get modpodge in my country but its not here in pakistan 🙁
So many great ideas!! Thanks for including the map wall in my boys’ room. They love it!
Oh I love all these map crafts!!! Great round-up!
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
Hi there! Link updated:
I would love to know where you get your maps.
Hi Tonia! You can typically get them from a thrift store . . . or a drug store . . . or you can print up online!