I have had this picture hanging above the sofa in my living room for many years. I really wanted to update the look but after looking at artwork, I was not willing to pay what a piece this size would cost. So I decided to make something myself. Over the last couple of years I have been very drawn to globes and world maps. I found a great world map at the Curious Sofa for $5. The only thing I did not like about it was that it looked brand new.
The first thing that I did was to wad up the map to give it some texture. I then brewed a very strong pot of coffee and put the map it to soak for a couple of hours.
I then flattened it out to dry. Once it was dry I used my iron to flatten it out even more. I then used a Q-Tip and my chalks to darken it up even more, taking into consideration where the map would be touched when being used.
I painted the frame a chocolate brown.
And I painted the matting as well. The fun part was putting it all back together and realizing it turned out way better than I expected.
In the small opening I put the verse: Matthew 28:19 ~ Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
I really like how it turned out. The only thing that I would do differently is make the matting a different color, I think that it is too close to the wall color. Now the next thing I want to do is either get a wall decal or a sign of some kind that says "peace on earth" to put above the frame.
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That's pretty awesome! way to go!
Linda
Posted by: Linda @ Craftaholics Anonymous | January 05, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Really like the way the map turned out.
Posted by: Sheila | January 05, 2010 at 12:13 PM
You did a wonderful job, its really hard tell its the same map. Wow!
Jilly
Visiting from BNOTP
Posted by: jillybee | January 05, 2010 at 01:44 PM
I love it! Distressing is such a fantastic way to age things, and this turned out perfect.
Posted by: Heather@ My Frugal Family | January 05, 2010 at 02:27 PM
I was just noticing the map in your living room and had no idea that you created it. I thought you purchased it this way. Great job.
Posted by: Lori | January 05, 2010 at 02:47 PM
AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!! What a great idea. It turned out beautifully. Looking for a mat colour option? A deep khaki or chocolate brown might be nice. It looks great the way it is, though!
Posted by: Brend | January 05, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Okay, now I feel bad. I didn't even notice after all that time today. Oh wait a second, that was because I was up to my eyeballs in silver glitter. When I am glitter free, I'm sure I will comment on how amazing it looks. btw, when you are up to your eyeballs in glitter, the world sure is a shiney place!!
Posted by: Sheri Burrell | January 05, 2010 at 06:27 PM
Wow...that turned out great! What an awesome idea! TFS
Posted by: Lisa@DestinationSeaborn | January 05, 2010 at 06:58 PM
Hey, Just love what you did with your photo. I am taking a class to recover my coach. Before and after so you can see it. Ann
Posted by: Ann Religa | January 06, 2010 at 12:42 PM
That looks great! I'll need to try that with/for my kids.
Posted by: Celeste @ Cottage Dreamers | February 14, 2010 at 09:50 PM
You did a great job on this! I love that you added the verse...so good!
Posted by: Homegrown Country Girl | February 14, 2010 at 10:03 PM
I love your distressing... it's perfectly aged! :) Great job!!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 14, 2010 at 10:46 PM
This is so great. I love maps and as missionaries, I love the verse. Perfect
Posted by: Jeannine Wayman | February 15, 2010 at 10:02 AM
What a fabulous treatment for a map! Looks really wonderful, and love the verse :)
thanks for linking to Mi4M!
Posted by: cindy | February 17, 2010 at 06:48 PM
Love it and the verse! Thanks for sharing with Made it Monday! Jules
Posted by: The Persimmon Perch | February 19, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Beautiful transformation!
Posted by: Cheryl | February 26, 2010 at 03:48 PM