Go Into All the World!

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.   

Comments

[Linda @ Craftaholics Anonymous]

That's pretty awesome! way to go!
Linda

[Sheila]

Really like the way the map turned out.

[jillybee]

You did a wonderful job, its really hard tell its the same map. Wow!

Jilly
Visiting from BNOTP

[[email protected] My Frugal Family]

I love it! Distressing is such a fantastic way to age things, and this turned out perfect.

[Lori]

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.

[Brend]

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!

[Sheri Burrell]

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!!

[[email protected]]

Wow...that turned out great! What an awesome idea! TFS

[Ann Religa]

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

[Celeste @ Cottage Dreamers]

That looks great! I'll need to try that with/for my kids.

[Homegrown Country Girl]

You did a great job on this! I love that you added the verse...so good!

[Jennifer]

I love your distressing... it's perfectly aged! :) Great job!!

[Jeannine Wayman]

This is so great. I love maps and as missionaries, I love the verse. Perfect

[cindy]

What a fabulous treatment for a map! Looks really wonderful, and love the verse :)

thanks for linking to Mi4M!

[The Persimmon Perch]

Love it and the verse! Thanks for sharing with Made it Monday! Jules

[Cheryl]

Beautiful transformation!