Repurposing items in a new way is a great way to celebrate Earth Day which is on April 22nd. I’ve collected 12 creative map repurpose ideas which will hopefully inspire you to make something from those old maps you have laying around!
I just love the idea of upcycling and repurposing items and the colors are so pretty in maps!
Map Repurpose Projects
- Use maps from places you have been. I love the idea of using a map from a trip you have taken or want to take.
- Store maps out of the sun. If you are storing maps for a project in the future, keep them out of the sun. This will prevent them from yellowing and turning brittle.
- Modge podge is your friend. Having some modge podge handy when working with maps may be helpful. It can help stiffen the paper and repair tears.
1. Map Lampshade
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Love this map lampshade by Silver Boxes. Use a map from a trip you took or maybe one that you want to take to add some nostalgia to this fun project. 2.
2. Map Chandelier
Isn’t this map chandelier via lolliepatchoulie cool!?
3. Glass Door Map
I love this idea! A map in glass door via Pure Green Design. A great way to add some privacy to an office or extra room’s door!
4. Map Wreath
This map wreath via Haverford House would be a pretty addition to any home!
5. Framed Map
Here’s the map I framed inside an old window last year in a frugal fireplace mantel makeover post.
6. Alternative Gift Wrapping
Use a map to wrap a present or use it to make a fun gift tag. Bugs and Fishes features this fun idea for reusing an old map.
7. Map Mirror
Redo an old mirror by upcycling a map! Lovely Etc. has step-by-step directions for this cute tutorial.
8. Covering Old Furniture
Lovely, Etc. shows you how to cover a piece of furniture to get a new look! She redoes a small end-table but you could cover so much more!
9. Gift Box
Silver Box makes this adorable gift box from an old map! This is so fun and such a great idea to reuse old maps.
10. Map Wall Art
I love what Silver Box did to make these fun map wall art pieces. Add some color and charm to a blank wall, and I love the idea of using maps from places you have traveled!
11. Resin Ring
Create a resin ring using an old map as the background. Running With Sisters shows you how to make this cute project.
12. Map Flowers
Check out Home Talks tutorial on how to make these cute map flowers. These would look great in your home decor.
By upcycling those old maps, you’re keeping them out of the trash and making your home pretty!
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Now you know I love the maps! I have a pinterest board “Charted Territory”. I’ve decided I don’t have nearly enough rooms in my house to do all that I’d like to do, lol. I’m thinking I might decoupage a map to one of my tabletops in the living room. They need to be replaced (per John) or painted/refurbished (per me). Hmmm.
LOL! That’s why you have rotate things – so everything has it’s time to be enjoyed! I just checked out your pinterest board – you know you pinned my signature instead of a photo :). Anyway, I’m following you – would have done it sooner but I didn’t know you were on pinterest. Is there a link on your blog?
I love maps – I just love the colors in them mostly. I did try backing a bookcase with a map but it didn’t work for me with that particular map. But I’d like to try it again with a different map.
Love those maps:) My favorite is the roses! Have a blessed Saturday dear Manuela, HUGS!
I love these ideas! I have been toying with ways to represent the places where my “heart” is right now (as in where my daughters live…) You have given me huge inspiration.
(And thanks for the answer about the edible flowers. I am going to contact a nearby organic nursery to see if they have some.)
Hi Debbie,
Good idea to check with your local organic nursery. I’m not sure they would have nasturiums (but you never know). I’m sure they would have lots of other edible flowers. I pinned an info-graphic of edible flowers in my gardening board on pinterest if you need ideas for other flowers.
I think that would be really lovely to find maps of where your daughters live and maybe put a little heart on that spot and then frame them!
Great ideas! I just found a vintage suit case that needs a bit of TLC. Ive been wondering what to cover it with, and maps look like the perfect thing. Thanks for always having such wonderful ideas!
I’m so glad you got an idea for recovering that vintage suitcase! I also really like painted suitcases too.
Lots of great ideas – thanks for sharing them with us. I always liked the very old maps – just something about the colors/graphics.
Hope you are enjoying the weekend. Beautiful here today – would have liked it to be about 10 degrees warmer. 🙂