I have always liked Maps, the world globe, they speak of adventure. This gift would be a great guy gift, kid gift, mom gift, or traveler. Simply pick a map that means something to you: a trip, your town, dream trip, etc. On my wall I have a copy of the original map of the United States, before highways. It is interesting to see how the map of the United States evolved over time. Of course it is a frontier map, and it fits right in, it is a frontier room. Nothing but denim, kerchiefs, hats, leather, and dark brown woodsy furniture, hurricane lamps, old motorcycle, and car art (don't laugh it works well), than the mountain man art (scouts). The file cabinet even has faux finish (textured wall paper, painted woodsy brown, than aged and than I sealed it with...ack car wax...8) so it is waterproof. It is a interesting room everyone that comes into it, just wants to relax..because of the scene created. It is my spare bedroom, family room, library (yup woodsy book carts that roll). I also created a small cube (milk cartoon) game table covered in the kerchiefs, than put a lid on it, so the kids can dig inside for the treasure. The kids toys are in a old suitcase leather (no wheels) it slides under the dresser. The rest of the games will be in another old suitcase that fits under the Futon. The curtains are denim with kerchief ties and the swag is made from old jeans, with kerchiefs hanging out of the back pockets. The hats have a dual purpose they are old but kids can play with them, they hang from a Amish basket hook from the ceiling (wrought iron). The computer stand was a challenge but it is covered in dark vinyl (all I can say about that is use a really good glue, this vinyl is very thick and I had to re-glue it 3 times). Well let's get back to the map.....
Cut to the size of frame you intend to use: 5 x 7; 8 x 11..I have a perfect square map and finding a frame to fit a picture square is a nightmare; most frames are oblong or round. If you intend to use a full size school room map, consider your wall, and yes some can cover a whole wall. To hang one of those attach to the wall or you could use a quilt hanger, and put weights on the bottom of the map, on the back, or glue to a shower curtain. You could also glue a section to a shower window curtain or cloth curtain (I will get to the cleaning part in a minute).
For the picture, simply take the back off of the frame that is your template; than put it on a area of a map you want to cut out, if you want a border, still use the template and cut the piece out, than take a ruler and pencil in a border; 2 in., 1 in....this will be your guide to cut, if you want a border. To make the border to fill in what you just cut out, simply use card stock what ever color you prefer, and use the template (the picture frame back), that way you do not have to miter the corners. Glue the map to that or tape, when finished with the aging steps and it is completely dry. Other wise go to the next step.
Paint the map with coffee and several colors of cold water dyes to give it a rich, aged texture. ( experiment around on a piece of paper first, write each color down what you did when you reach the right hue of color you want, than go to the map) These dyes are transparent and allow the map features to show through. Add metallic acrylic paint highlight (if wanted make sure it is transparent not opaque). I also use black or brown to age, water based paint and I thin it to where it is almost just tinted water. You have to let the map dry between each coat of paint, don't soak it. Dry the map with a hair dryer after each layer is painted. Hang to dry for 1-2 hours, or if you have a flat table surface. It is important to not soak it, other wise you might have drips and runs. After dry, the one I have has X's to mark the spot, special trails, etc., use a fine tipped magic marker for that.
Put the picture back together and you have map artwork. If you do not intend to frame, even on the curtains, etc. than seal it, and I don't like to use anything toxic in seals, so use decoupage ( it has several finishes; gloss, mat, flat..so decide what would look best when finished, the mat finish sort of dulls it). This finish allows you to spot clean or wipe the map down; if on curtains, hung on wall.
This is a Rose Compass; which I purchased at "CafePress" just key in Compass, Rose there are many different one's.
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