Fragmented Map Art Project

Give an artistic, modern twist to a vintage map by displaying it in a collection of frames.
Framed Map of USA over Baby Bassinet

Colorful United States Map

A colorful map of the United States is creatively pieced together on this wall.

Materials Needed:

  • wall-size vintage map
  • level
  • pencil and notepad
  • tape measure
  • frames
  • scissors or utility knife
  • hammer
  • picture hangers
  • contractor paper
  • marker
  • painter's tape

Measure and Mark Map

Spread map out on long, flat surface. Using tape measure, measure inside dimensions of frames; combine this to determine needed width and height of map area to be framed. Mark area on map using pencil and level — a level provides a straight edge perfect for drawing continuous, long lines.

Measure and Level the Map

Measure and Mark Map

Spread map out on long, flat surface. Using tape measure, measure inside dimensions of frames; combine this to determine needed width and height of map area to be framed. Mark area on map using pencil and level — a level provides a straight edge perfect for drawing continuous, long lines.

Cut Map

Using scissors or utility knife and level, cut map to size along inside of pencil marks. Place frames on map to ensure correct dimensions. Remove frames, divide map into fragments based on inner dimensions of frames. Mark map using pencil and level then cut out map sections.

Cut and Place the Map

Cut Map

Using scissors or utility knife and level, cut map to size along inside of pencil marks. Place frames on map to ensure correct dimensions. Remove frames, divide map into fragments based on inner dimensions of frames. Mark map using pencil and level then cut out map sections.

Frame Map Fragments

Once all cuts are made, insert each map fragment into a frame. Tip: Be sure to clean glass before inserting map.

Frame the Map

Frame Map Fragments

Once all cuts are made, insert each map fragment into a frame. Tip: Be sure to clean glass before inserting map.

Create a Template for Hanging

Use tape measure to determine height and width of wall area where map will hang. Jot dimensions down on notepad using pencil. Roll out contractor paper on a long, flat surface. Referring to notepad, mark wall dimensions on contractor paper with marker and level. Arrange frames on contractor paper leaving the same amount of distance between each. Trace frame outlines onto paper with marker, number each frame with a piece of painter's tape and note corresponding numbers on the template.

Use Template to Mark Wall

Place template on wall, temporarily securing it with painter's tape. Use tape measure to determine exact placement of each frame's hanger. Once determined, mark with pencil, then create hole by tapping a nail lightly through paper with hammer.

Hang Frames

Once all picture hanger holes have been created, remove template. Fully hammer nails into the wall; hang frames in order to create a complete map. Finally, remove painter's tape numbers from frames.

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