Hanging Map DIY

I ordered this gorgeous map from Austin Modern on Etsy in January after having had it in my favorites for months. I love the pink and yellow combo - basically the only reason I chose this one. It came from an old school map that had more than one pull down chart so it was a bit wrinkled. I knew I didn't want to just thumb tack it to the wall like in college days and I couldn't afford to get it custom framed so I started brainstorming ways to display it. 

I've recently hung another map in the kids' room that had a wooden dowel across the bottom and someone on Instagram asked if I was going to be doing a DIY on how to add rods and suddenly I realized my other map problem was solved! I'm not sure why I hadn't thought of it before! So, here's how I turned my paper map into a more aesthetic wall hanging.

Supplies: Paper map (or other print/image), 2 - wooden dowel rods measuring at least the width of your map and between 1/2" - 1" thick depending on the size of your map/print. Mine were 1" x 48". You'll also need Elmer's glue (or substitute that dries clear), a staple gun, staples, twine, 2 - eye screws, a drill. One: Drill a pilot hole into each end of one rod. This will be the top one. Two: Screw in your eye screws. Three: Glue across the top 1/2" of your map/print and carefully center your rod so thatyou fold the paper over it. Hold in the center and staple every 2" out to each end. This will keep your paper from getting crooked. Wipe off excess glue. Four: Repeat with your other rod. Be sure your top rod is the one with screws in it! Five: Attach twine and hang it on your wall. 

I found my dowel rods at Lowe's but I'm sure other hardware stores carry them. Smaller sizes can be found at craft stores depending on what you need.

The staples reinforce the glue and help the edges from curling off the rod. If your print or map is made of thin paper, use a smaller/lightweight rod. If your map is thick like mine, a larger rod will weigh it down so that it hangs nicely. 

Our dining room is coming together nicely! I'm waiting on my Briwax to come in the mail (thanks, Veronika!) before I can finish my table and then the white wardrobe will need a little attention. It's been repurposed from Ruby's wardrobe into our office. I've drilled a hole in the back to stick our printer cord through and have a small filing cabinet in the bottom. It's a work in progress if there ever was one.

When hanging your map be sure to use the 57" rule! Make sure to measure the distance from the top of the twine to the bottom so it's completely accurate. Paper maps are usually less expensive than their pull down brethren so adding your own dowels is a great way to get more for your money.

Here are some pretty maps on Etsy: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

Also some fun charts that you could add these to: One, two, three.

Who knew dowel rods could be so fancy!

-Rachel

Comments

[Mama Smith]

Wow you have been busy since you moved! Project after project and it all looks great. I love your map.

[Ruth Ann]

You can't pin from your page:(

[Rachel Denbow]

Ruth Ann,
I was able to. I wonder what the problem is...

[Lisa]

You have the best ideas!

[Rach]

love a good map + your looks great!!

[simplemittens]

so pretty!!

[Honor]

Good thinking!

[Heather Belle]

Love it! I might just need to get some pretty maps for my dorm next year :)
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

[Vee]

Love it!

[Casey]

Looks great. I love it and love your style, always! I have a store bought (meant to look vintage) smaller map, and I just might do this to it! Thanks!

[Danielle]

Your space is coming together. The colours on the map are very pretty... great tutorial, thanks!

[Allison]

Great tutorial!!! I am still in love with maps.... :)

PS... I just saw your pretty face in the May issue of Southern Living magazine!!!! So fun!!!

[Evelisa]

Don't you love Etsy!! I know I do. Great tutorial.

[Nicolette Lafonseca-Hargreaves]

That is a great map. Your new home is really coming together Rachel you have worked so hard. I hope you are settling in.

I can't wait to see all your thrifting finds insitu.

Take Care
Nicolette
xo

[~Jennifer J.]

You are genius! I've had a large vintage map of the moon for a couple of years that I can't afford to custom frame - this is the perfect solution for it!

Love your map.

[sarah jane]

great map and great "study" nook! I was going to mention that if you have a map that already has the rod attached, they actually have map-hanging hardware at any hardware store that will even fit vintage maps. Kind of nice... if the rod is still attached! If not, great DIY!

[jacquie]

I love this! I want to do this with a picture of the universe instead of a map. :D

damnjacquie.blogspot.com