When we moved our plan was to somehow bring the world map from Wille’s old room with us. We had spray glued it on the wall behind his bed and figured we’d be able to peel it off. No such luck though, it was stuck down too hard and stayed. We kind of missed being able put pins in the places we’ve visited so when I found this smaller map at the local charity shop I got it.
The map started out with pin pricks in the corners where the previous owner had had it on the wall.
I got a homosote board and L-shaped wood trim to cover the edges (and the pin holes) from the local lumber yard. I then proceeded to paint the board so the brown wouldn’t show through the paper. I actually painted both sides of the board (and just used regular wall paint) so the board wouldn’t bend from getting wet on just one side.
After the paint had dried properly I screwed the board into the wall and covered it with wallpaper paste and stuck down the map.
To be honest I’m not sure if this is the best way to stick a map down because I did get some creases. I kind of blame it on the fact that the map is used and was a bit wrinkled to begin with and it’s not a huge deal anyway.
After everything was dry I mitered the edges of the trim and used construction glue to attach it to the board on all four sides.
And of course, Mini was there to give me a paw. Still to do, the funnest bit, adding the pins!
I love your post timing. Your ' first thing in the morning ' posts are my the last thing of my day. The trim on the map finishes is up so nicely. What are the white boxes on the side of the bed?
Posted by: Lorna | December 29, 2011 at 04:07 AM
Oh I see it's one box. Did you make it or buy it?
Posted by: Lorna from Atlanta | December 29, 2011 at 04:09 AM
Very map inspired decor, I love it. I've been wanting a map too where to pin where I've been. But I haven't figured out yet where to have it.
Posted by: Leena | December 29, 2011 at 05:57 AM
I bought it at Designtorget. It's a fabric covered cardboard box which has a long fabric flap that goes under the top mattress which makes it stay put. Perfect for remotes, iPad etc.http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/bedbag-blev-arets-sak_4240469.svd
Posted by: Carlos | December 29, 2011 at 06:23 AM
Happy 'real life' pinning!
Posted by: Hxx | December 29, 2011 at 06:44 AM
Geographical Pinterest :-). Have fun!
Posted by: Zosia | December 29, 2011 at 06:56 AM
Lovely - looks really nice. Imagine if you had pins in it for where your readers come from - it would be a riot of pins!
Posted by: michelle | December 29, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Maps are such a wonderful, ageless theme for a boys (or girls?) room. Thanks for the trimming tip, too, Benita: have been wondering how to hide the ugly metal edge on a white board x
Posted by: Nicola | December 29, 2011 at 08:25 AM
So funny - just now we're brainstorming about the best way to frame a really old wall map of the area our property used to cover back in the olden days before it was divided and sold off. Benita to the rescue once again!
Posted by: Judith | December 29, 2011 at 08:45 AM
i'd love to find a map of our little village. i've made the mistake of painting a cork board on one side and watching it warp. i didn't realise it was like watercolour paper!! looks great, maps are such lovely things. x
Posted by: elisa | December 29, 2011 at 10:17 AM
It looks really good!
Posted by: Annika | December 29, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Well, it's a good thing that Miss Mini is there to supervise...
Posted by: devil | December 29, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Mini is sooo cute!
Posted by: Valeria | December 29, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Perfect solution to replace the old map wall. Great DIY tips as always! Thank you!
Posted by: Lisa Flaherty | December 29, 2011 at 03:52 PM
Brilliant idea... I hope we one day have the space for something like this. What a great piece of art, DIY adventure, and perfect way to show where you've traveled!
Posted by: Marjorie @ One Parade | December 29, 2011 at 10:57 PM
The Glam Teen has a great map, each country is coloured gold and when you've visited a place you scratch off the gold colour to revealnthe country underneath. There is a huge competition to see who can visit the most new places by 2014. Gg
Posted by: Glamorous Glutton | December 30, 2011 at 07:16 PM
I saw those somewhere. Very cool! Downside is you'd each need one and also for Wille the excitement is a new pin even if it's in a different part of a country. Which this you'd only scratch a country once I guess :)
Posted by: Carlos | December 31, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Thanks for the great inspiration! I want to do the same at home, because we love travelling, so we can make a lot of pins. :) And yeah, it's important to me, that I've visited e.g. France three times and I can have three pins there.
Posted by: Kac (from Prague) | January 01, 2012 at 10:11 AM
PS: I hope you'll show us how to make these pins. :)
Posted by: Kac (from Prague) | January 01, 2012 at 10:12 AM