Saturday, February 26, 2011

work in progress: recreate an old map


I love these maps at Restoration Hardware, but I don't love the price.  Maps proceed a journey and these expensive maps led me on a journey to see what I could create myself.

First I found a simple map that I felt I could recreate.


I got out my trusty lightbox and started tracing.



I took a deep breath and dumped it all into a pot of tea.


And ended up with this.







Now I wait at a rest area for further inspiration.  Should I frame it?  Should I make a pillow?  Should I make a bag?  Am I done?  Time will tell...
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24 comments:

  1. petitehermineFebruary 26, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    Your painted pillow project has been featured in this week's sunday linky! You are seriously one crafty person :) Check it out here: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/2011/02/sunday-linky-party-4-goodies.html

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  2. StaciFebruary 27, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    I love your map! I'd like to try that using the area where I live, then hang it in a frame. Thanks for sharing it!

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  3. LeslieFebruary 27, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I've given you an award!

    http://simplesweetnessblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/awards.html

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  4. MichelleFebruary 27, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    This is so cool! Haven't seen a project like this before...thanks for sharing! Also thanks for commenting on my blog!

    Michelle

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  5. Tammy @ Type AFebruary 27, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    i would frame it, that is awesome. love it, now i need a light box. who knew? lol

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  6. TimFebruary 27, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    I had a look around and loved your blog. I am your newest follower. {Thanks for stopping by my site earlier-http://ladeladeda.blogspot.com/}

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  7. JenniferFebruary 27, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Great idea - I love this!

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  8. Cassie BustamanteFebruary 27, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    that is such a great idea! it would be awesome in a nautical room or a boys pirate themed room!

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  9. Korrie@RedHenHomeFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    What an amazing project! I can't wait to see what you decide to do with it.
    Thanks for stopping by Red Hen Home!

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  10. SJ @ Homemaker On A DimeMarch 1, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    I vote for framing it. Great job! Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a thoughtful comment. I'm your newest follower and I'd be happy if you choose to follow me back :)

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  11. Style, Decor & MoreMarch 2, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Frame it! Very cute blog! If you have time, hop over and visit me:
    http://stylendecordeals.blogspot.com/

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  12. The Single NesterMarch 2, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    What patience you have! It looks terrific!

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  13. RebeccaMarch 2, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    I personally love my lightbox (because I can't draw). What a great use for it! Sometimes those prices RH charge seem to be completely unrealistic... I mean it is a reproduction of an old map, not an actual old map, right? Yours is just as cool and actually more unique!

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  14. LyndseyMarch 2, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    This is a great idea! There was an awesome wall in the new Pottery Barn catalogue papered with old maps, and I LOVED the idea. This project really reminded me of that wall. I would stretch this on stretchers (canvas stretchers) rather than in a frame behind glass.

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  15. Vivienne @ the V SpotMarch 3, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    I love this idea!!! Brilliant!

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  16. Honey I'm Home BlogMarch 3, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Wow, I'm impressed that you thought to make your own map. I think it would be great either framed or as a pillow. Thanks for stopping by my blog BTW. Yours has so much great stuff!

    Warmly, Michelle

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  17. LibertyMarch 3, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Absolutely LOVE it!!

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  18. Binge CrafterMarch 6, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    This is fantastic! What a great idea. :)

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  19. EmilyMarch 6, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    wow this is great, I need one of those light boxes. Love old maps!

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  20. BrittMarch 7, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    Wow! This is awesome, my little boy loves maps this would be so cool to put on his wall. What is it that you traced it on? Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  21. AmandaMarch 9, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    This is an amazing idea, I would love to try old of where I was raised, would look awesome in a shabby frame, I've followed you from Paisley Passions

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  22. LindyMarch 12, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    I love this project!!! Can you tell me what kind of pen you used???

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  23. UnknownMarch 22, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I'm horrendously behind in reading my favorite blogs so I just saw this, but I LOOOOOVE it! This is absolutely amazing and I can't believe how patient you were to trace it!

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  24. PeggyApril 3, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    What a wonderful idea! I have a tiny light box but think I may take a gander at this using maps from the different places we've lived over the years. Once again thanks for the inspiration!

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