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