I have always loved maps. Always. If I’m traveling I like to see exactly where I am on a map, I think it helps me feel grounded. And I love it when maps are incorporated into the design of a room – there’s just something comforting about them.
A few months ago at an estate sale I spotted a stack of vintage maps packaged together and I bought them without having any definite plans for them.
Sometimes as I’m drifting off to dreamland I like to plan colors for projects and think of ways to make the final product unique. Just as I was falling asleep one night I knew I had to use one of the maps in the back of a bookcase. I almost couldn’t fall asleep…but I also didn’t want to be the crazy lady in her garage keeping the neighborhood up at midnight with her excited giggling over Mod Podge. Nope. That craziness could wait for morning.
My husband’s co-worker dropped this bookcasoff one weekend and said we could recreate it. The top had some issues so we decided to paint it. We used a variety of spray paint colors and all over the piece: white, navy blue, teal and yellow.
We painted over our “primer” of various colors with a mixture of leftover latex wall paint, Plaster of Paris and a splash of water, and applied it with a brush. The mixture allows the paint to dry faster.
When it was dry, we sanded down some of the outer layer to reveal a variety of ocean like colors coming through.
With the shelves out of the bookcase, we very easily placed a map in the back and used gobs of Mod Podge to adhere it. We did this with the bookcase laying on its back – much easier.
Eventually I want around the map edges with the same blue paint to create a messier look.
I still have 17 maps left. Hmmm…
Sarah McCurdy catches her breath when it comes to rusty, vintage items that need a little love. She spends her time imagining ways to repurpose and reclaim fab junk finds through Midwest Junk, in addition to running a writing business,
I love it! I love maps too and am always looking for ways to work them into what I’m making. Got something cute in the works right now…
Why not uses as wallpaper. I think that would be great in the right room! Still looking for maps!
Now THAT would be fun!
Hey Sarah, send us photos when you’re done with what you’re working on – we’d love to see ‘em!
I absolutely love it! (and your site!) I have a similar bookcase that i wanted to dress up – I adore maps (and happen to have some on hand!). This couldn’t be more perfect. Thanks so much for sharing!
Awesome, Kelly! Send us photos of the finished project!