Map Project #1: Mosaic Map

Here's a little map project I did for Cally a couple of years back when she was moving into the loft in Birmingham.


When I went looking for laminated maps, I found they came two to a package, a world map and a map of the USA, so I decided to use them both and make her two separate map creations. She was fond of maps at the time, so it worked out fine.


For the world map, I chose to break it up and attach pieces of the map to canvas squares with spray adhesive, creating a mosaic effect. Target had the canvas squares in their dollar section at the time, a sweet score since I needed 15 of them. 

The squares were spray painted black so the edges looked finished and so they would have a shadowy effect once each section of the map was attached. 

Unfortunately I have been unable to locate any pictures of the spray painting mess anywhere. I'm sure you can imagine the scene just fine.

What a croc...me with the measuring tape trying so hard. Why I attempted spacial mathematics, I don't know. I always get it wrong. (is that even a thing?) There were many times I had to go ahead and eyeball it and make a second or third hole in the wall because the placement as measured didn't look right. Me and math aren't the best of friends. Whatever... perfection is overrated.

You get the idea. The added space between the squares made the display about 6 or so inches wider and taller. Every bit was helpful (although still not sufficient really) on the massive wall, and made it a bit more interesting than just hanging a map by itself.


Doing a map project does help with your geography, especially if you, like me, are not only mathematically challenged but geographically challenged. It took a while when I first laid the finished squares out at home to realize I had switched the bottom portions of South America and Africa.

I guess I was on map overload at the time because it's quite obvious now.

Duh! This way makes for a very short South America and very long Africa. 

Working out the perfect cut of each piece was a bit of a challenge, because they had to fit the particular canvas. They each had some differences and were not square. Small amounts of map had to be trimmed from some, but thanks to the gap between the sections, once placed on the wall, it wasn't noticeable. After each was placed ever so carefully on the canvas so that it fit correctly, the bubbles had to be smoothed out.

Here's how the map ended up looking on the loft wall in all it's enormity. It sure lost some of its punch in such a huge space 

Sorry for the poor, blurry, grainy shot. By the time we were done, it was dark in there. 

I have another map project I'll post sometime soon. Stay tuned.

I'll be sharing this post at:

Be Inspired @ Elizabeth & Co.

Share It @ The Winthrop Chronicles

Cowgirl Up @ Cedar Hill Ranch

Open Call Tuesday @ Salt Tree

Show me What You Got @ Our Delightful Home

Metamorphosis Monday @ BNOTP

Craft-o-maniac Monday @ Craft-0-Maniac

Manic Monday @ Serendipity & Spice

Mop it Up Mondays @ I Should be Mopping the Floor

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

Sunday Show Off @ Twigg Studios

Say G'Day @ Natasha in Oz

Get Schooled Saturday @ Too Much Time

Saturday Showcase @ Bowdabra