Since we moved up North, Zander and I have been doing quite a bit of weekend traveling. I really wanted a special way to keep track of the places we have been together (and our bedroom walls were bare) so I decided to make this travel map cork board! It was pretty easy once I figured out the logistics… so now I’m going to share the how-to with you!
MATERIALS
paper // printer // tape // frame // cork roll // spray paint // exacto knife // spray glue // map tacks
These links are what I used but feel free to be creative!
1. Decide what size your map needs to be to fit in the center of your chosen frame. Print out and tile together a map of the US. My map is about 20″ wide for a 18″ x 24″ frame. The map I used can be downloaded here: [download id=”25″ format=”10″]
2. Once your map is tiled together, tape it to a piece of cork just big enough to fit the map. Work on a cutting mat and trim around the outer border with an exacto knife (making sure to trim all the way through the cork). You will not be able to get very detailed here, and that’s okay (as you can see I chopped the little hook off of Massachusetts all together)!
3. Once you have cut around the entire map you can go back in and cut out any additional details. Remember, it is easy to cut more away but not to add back on!
4. Trim your next piece of cork into a rectangle that fits snugly into your frame. I used the cardboard backing that came in the frame as a size guideline. 5. Bring the trimmed rectangle outside and paint one side white. 6. Once the paint dries, use spray glue to attach the cork map to the center of your (now white) cork backing. Remember, spray the backside of your cork map only!
7. Place your map board into the frame (using the cardboard the frame came with as a backing). You can glue to the cardboard to the cork back if you prefer.
8. Print out and trim your title and location flags. 9. Fill in your flags with places you have been and places you want to go! 10. Add your title and destination flags to the cork map with pins and your done! You can download my template here: [download id=”26″ format=”10″]
The measurements above are what I used for my frame, but make sure to measure yourself, as frames will differ. You know the saying, measure twice, cut once! And please be VERY careful with the exacto knife, I actually cut myself while working on this project!
established 2010
Hey Ciera! This is such a great project. I’ve been planning on making something similar (except I wanted a world map!). I was wondering how well it held up though. I’m always worried about how easily the cork board may chip…
Thank you! Mine has held up very well, and through a move! If you think you’ll be putting pins in and out A LOT, it may wear more quickly, I don’t update mine that often…
Thanks for the super quick reply! I might have to try it one of these days. I’ll be sure to let you know once I get to it 🙂
This turned out so perfect! I love it! Totally want to do this for our family travels.
This is perfect for my hubby for Father’s Day. We made four trips cross country during the 70’s that were life-changing for our family. I am going to use embroidery floss to mark the four different itineraries! What a wonderful remembrance. Thank you so much for the tute.
Awesome Diann! I’d love to see a photo when you are done!
Love this Idea, wanted to do a world map, but question when painting the cork white, did you spray paint or brush paint?
thanks Janice! I thought about doing a world map, I’d love to see a photo once yours is complete! I used spray paint. I did two coats, letting it dry in between.
Thanks for the quick response, and as soon as I am finished with the world map will send pick.
Ooo, I love this idea! I’m always looking for crafty ways to bring some travel inspiration into my home. I definitely need to try this 🙂
This is great! I do genealogy, & I’ve been trying to think of a way to map my ancestors! This is perfect for that!
So happy you found a way to transform this idea for your own needs!
Love this project! I have a map up on my wall at the moment and I’m using post-its but this idea is much better 🙂
Thanks Natalie! Post-its do the trick too 🙂
Totally LOVE it!!!! I will be doing this soon. I already have the frame. All I have to get is the cork board & a world map.
Thanks so much! I would LOVE to see pictures if you make one!
How genius!
thanks Cathy!
Great idea! Thank you for sharing!
This is so awesome! I have an obsession with anything map related, and this is really creative and would look great on a wall! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love this idea and your execution – it looks great!
Thank you so much Shelley!
I love this idea! My husband and I love to travel whenever we can, this would be a great project for us to try out! Thanks for the tutorial. I’m stopping by from the Etsy blog team forum.
Thanks! I’d love to see a photo if you make one yourself!
What a brilliant idea! I love this.
Thank you Shannon!
Ciera this is such a creative and amazing idea! I love it! I might just have to make myself one of those, even though it most definitely won’t turn out as good looking as that haha! Well done 🙂
From Cupcakes, With Love x
Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions if you try it out yourself!
This is absolutely incredible, Ciera!! I’m not sure I’ll be able to recreate it, but what an inspiration. Keep up the amazing work!
thanks Kara!!
This is SO adorable, fresh, and personal all at the same time. If you can’t tell from my abundant use of adjectives, I love this project Ciera! Great job 🙂
It took me a while to finally get this post together so your compliment really means a lot, thank you SO much Kelsey!