This unique hand lettered map canvas art is an easy and budget friendly way to decor a wall – plus you can customize with any words you like!
![Map Canvas Art is Easy to Make (No Skills Required!)](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LETTERING.jpg.webp)
I’m currently working on my soon-to-be baby boy’s nursery. Since we are going with a loose theme of vintage camping decor, I wanted to incorporate some maps.
![Map, canvas, paintbrush, and Mod Podge](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LETTERED-CANVAS.jpg.webp)
Map Canvas Art
This hand lettered map canvas idea fits the bill! I came up with an easy way to hand letter on a canvas covered with the maps and, even if you don’t consider yourself good at lettering, this method should work for you!
Here’s what you need:
- Canvas
- Maps or scrapbook paper
- Paintbrush
- Super Matte Mod Podge – any Mod Podge formula will do
- Chalk, crayon, or graphite
- Sharpie
- Scissors
![Mod Podge applied to the top of a map](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LETTERING-PROJECT.jpg.webp)
The first step is to cover your canvas using maps or scrapbook paper. I used the Ultra Matte Chalk Mod Podge and loved the finish it gave!
Apply a medium layer of Mod Podge to the canvas and smooth the map down on top. With maps and thinner papers, it really helps to use a brayer.
When you’re decoupaging on canvas, it also helps to turn the canvas over and smooth from the inside. Since canvas gives a little bit, placing it face down on a hard surface (covered, of course) really helps.
Once you’re done applying the paper and smoothing, let dry for 15 – 20 minutes before applying a top coat.
![Map wrapped around the edge of the canvas](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DIY-HAND-LETTERED-PROJECT.jpg.webp)
Make sure to wrap your paper around the edges of the canvas for a finished look.
![Adventure awaits written on paper with a Sharpie](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/HAND-LETTERING-DIY.jpg.webp)
Now it’s time to plan out your lettering. You can use a free printable you find online, or freehand something.
I tried out a few different ways to write my phrase and practiced until I liked how it looked. But this would easily work just as well with a print out.
![Coloring on a worksheet with blue crayon](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DIY-HAND-LETTERED.jpg.webp)
Now it’s time for the interesting part. Flip over your paper. As you can see, I drew mine on an old worksheet of my daughters. I save all of her papers and use them for scrap paper – just a free little tip!
Pressing down very hard with a dark crayon, color all of the areas that have writing on the other side.
I should have used a black crayon for this step, but it still worked out fine. You could also use graphite or even chalk if your canvas is covered in a dark colored paper or paint.
Tape your paper to the canvas and trace over the letters, pressing very hard with a pen or pencil. You may want to go over each letter a few times.
![Adventure awaits letters transferred to a map canvas](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/diy-map-art.jpg.webp)
When you lift the paper up, the crayon will have transferred onto the map canvas. It’s very light, but just enough to see to trace it with a Sharpie!
![Filling in the text with Sharpie](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/HAND-LETTERED-CANVAS.jpg.webp)
Trace over everything with either your Sharpie or a paint pen. Wipe away any excess crayon with a damp cloth.
![Map canvas hanging on a wall](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LETTERING-FONTS.jpg.webp)
Now your hand lettered masterpiece is ready to hang! Everyone will be so impressed with your hand lettering skills, you don’t need to tell them that you cheated!
![DIY map canvas art](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/HAND-LETTERED.jpg.webp)
Of course you can customize this project with a variety of different papers, book pages or even just a painted canvas to fit the space you are decorating!
Map Canvas
![Filling in the text with Sharpie](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/HAND-LETTERED-CANVAS-735x1025.jpg.webp)
Learn how to make this unique canvas art with a map! It's easy to do, even if you've never crafted before.
Materials
- Canvas
- Maps or scrapbook paper
- Ultra Matte Chalk Mod Podge
- Chalk, crayon, or graphite
- Sharpie
Tools
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
Instructions
- Apply a medium layer of Mod Podge to the canvas and smooth the map down on top.
- When you're decoupaging on canvas, it also helps to turn the canvas over and smooth from the inside.
- Once you're done applying the paper and smoothing, let dry for 15 - 20 minutes before applying a top coat.
- Make sure to wrap your paper around the edges of the canvas for a finished look.
- Either print out or draw a design on paper; transfer to the canvas with chalk, graphite, or a crayon.
- Trace over all of the letters with a Sharpie.
- Let dry completely before hanging.
For more easy craft ideas along the same lines, check out these other posts:
And be sure to pop over to my blog, Homemade Ginger where I love to share ways to make your life more beautiful without spending a lot of money. If you are looking for more wall art, check out these ways to Mod Podge a canvas!
Salina J Sims
Tuesday 23rd of July 2024
These guidelines are really very valuable
Kati S.
Friday 24th of June 2016
I LOVE this! It turned out great & seems like a quick and easy project! Congratulations on the little camper! Can't wait to see more of your crafts!
Claire
Thursday 23rd of June 2016
I love map crafts and this is a great idea. Pinning to my map board.