Monday, February 17, 2014

Road Atlas Map Wreath

Happy Monday! The following is my favorite wreath to date and was originally  shared as my January contributor post on Jen Rizzo's Blog. Enjoy!
 


One of my favorite types of crafts to make for my own home are paper wreaths. They add such a graphic, handmade vibe that I totally love. And today, I have something extra special to share...a gorgeous road atlas map wreath! It's so easy to make that I know you will want to create one, too! The best part is that you can search out atlases that are significant to you and your family. I'm from Massachusetts and I used an atlas of Boston and the surrounding communities. I love to see the names of towns and attractions that I have been to on the folded pages!
 


Let's get started! You'll need: street atlas (I've found them at thrift stores and tag sales), paper cutter, corner punch, hot glue, paper clip, scissors, ribbon and 14" Styrofoam wreath form.
  
First, remove the pages from the atlas (I used about 60 pages total). Trim the fringe off and cut each page into quarters. Note: before cutting, my pages measured 13 1/4" x 10".

Accordion fold each quarter page lengthwise. Then, use the corner punch to shape all four corners. Lastly, fold the page in half horizontally.
 


Using hot glue, attach each folded page onto the wreath form. I only attached the folded pages to the sides and top of the form (there are no pages attached to the back). Also, I placed the folded pages close to each other, but not overlapping and glued them in concentric circles around the form, starting with the outside edge.
 
 
To hang, I simply glued a paper clip to the back of the wreath form (be sure to use a lot of glue and wait for it to completely dry before adding a pretty ribbon).
 
 
 
Here's a close up. I love that you can see the details of the map!
 
 
 

Since I attached the pages in a very systematic manner the wreath came out with a very distinct pattern and unified look. Love that! And how about that turquoise, velvet ribbon with silver stitching? It adds the perfect balance of texture and glamour to the finished wreath.


 
 
 

12 comments:

  1. Love this idea and pinned. Looks so pretty!

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  2. This looks fabulous. How creative. Love it. Hugs, Marty

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  3. This is beautiful! I am a huge fan of anything made of maps- love this!

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  4. Very creative! I'm a big fan of paper crafting. Good job!

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  5. So clever and I just happen to have a bunch of maps.

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  6. Wow. I've never seen a wreath like this! And using the maps was so clever, too. Please stop by and share at our link party.

    http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/02/link-it-or-lump-it-party-number-twenty.html

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  7. Hi, Angela! Love this map wreath -- very unique! Have seen many paper wreaths, but not one like this - love your creativity and the way you used a uniform pattern of folding and cutting. Genius! Catherine (newest follower of your blogging adventures) : )

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  8. This is so cool friend! The texture of it is simply wonderful and it can be used in so many areas of the house!!! You nailed it!!! Hope you are having a lovely week! Nicole xoxo

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  9. What a cool idea Angela! Thanx for partying at THT.

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  10. They turned out perfect Great remarq
    color and wonderful distressing! I appreciate you sharing with Home.

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Thank you so much for stopping by Number Fifty-Three! I look forward to your comments.