Earlier this year I posted a Wooden World Map-it has actually been one of my most popular posts to date! Shortly after that post I had received so many inquiries about buying one that I began selling them in my Etsy shop. A couple of weeks ago I was contacted to make a custom state version of the map and I just loved it so much I decided to share it with you all today.
I basically made a smaller version of the world map panel with leftover lumber I had on hand. I used my favorite map site to create a template of the outline of Kentucky. I transferred the image by coloring the back of the papers with pencil then tracing over it to leave a pencil impression on the wood-basically the same as carbon paper-but cheaper!
I then treated the wood panel with Wood Conditioner. This is a very important step. Many of my readers who attempted to make their own version of my world map and did not get good results skipped this step. PLEASE condition the wood before staining if you are going to go through all the work to make one of these! After conditioning the wood I used craft paint brushes and Mission Oak PolyShades to paint the stain on. When dry I gave it about four coats of spray on polyurethane.
I’m so excited to send this artwork on its way to its new home, I hope they love it as much as I do!
What do you think?
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Oh…I love it! It would look perfect right over my desk…I so wish it was coming to me here in KY!
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real recently posted..Socks For Sandy…A Call To Action (Please Share and Help)
Love it Melissa – it looks great painted reverse with the natural wood inside and the white painted outside! I can see why your map wall arts are very popular too, you do a beautiful job!
Inspire Me Heather recently posted..project: clocks
I love this! I want to DIY a world wire/wood map and this is going in the idea file.
this is fun and fabulous!!
So pretty! Pinned!
This is gorgeous!! I know several people that would love this!! Thanks for sharing!!
lucy recently posted..Hansel and Gretel Bathroom Before and After
I was just wondering how you get the outside of the map painted perfectly? Do you stain the entire piece first, then lay the outline of the map down and paint white over it, then peel off the map? This is my favorite style of the wooden maps so I would love to know how to get that look!
Hi Savannah,
The outside area is not painted at all, it is regular white pine. I traced the map in pencil on the panel then stain only the interior of the state outline using stain and a craft brush then poly over the entire piece.
Hope that helps-let me know if you have any more questions!
Melissa
You are crazy talented, girl! Now, we just need one of the Sunshine State and I would be a happy girl
keri @ shaken together recently posted..handmade holidays {guest post} Steph from Crafting in the Rain
I LOVE this, Melissa! I adore all things state related.
I need to make an Alabama version.
Beth@Unskinny Boppy recently posted..On Joining the FOLK Family
Thanks Beth! I’m in love with maps! If you make one let me share it on my FB page please!
Beautiful Melissa – you are so talented! Pinned, tweeted and Google +’d! Love the graphic quality of this piece!
Heather recently posted..DIY Interchangeable Jewelry with Prima Bead!
Thank you so much Heather!!
this is fantastic!!! What a great idea and the look is so simple and yet classy!!! You are a talented lady!
Janel@nelliebellie recently posted..DIY advent calendar…for cheap and easy folks.
Thanks so much Janel!
Darling idea…I think this would be perfect for my son’s new room! Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks so much! If you make one please pop back over here or to my Facebook page to share it!
Not bad at all….it is better if your bench will be shape like a map not the paint. By the way Great job!
This is so awesome!!
Thanks so much Karah!!
I love this DIY state art! Such a great way to add charm and love for your state in your home… Great job! I would love for you to share it at the linky party on my blog.. it just went live & I know my readers would love to see this! Here is the link to the party: http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2012/11/link-up-with-me-liz-marie-26/ I hope to see you there!
xx Liz Marie
lizmarieblog.com
LOVE LOVE LOVE, Did I mention I LOVE this? The rustic wood with the white is amazing and I may need to copy you, inspiring girl! If you have a sec, I would love for you to share at Get Schooled Saturday at Too Much Time On My Hands.
xxx
Kim
http://too-much-time.com/2012/11/get-schooled-saturday-47.html
Kim@ Too Much Time recently posted..Get Schooled Saturday #47
It looks fantastic! I love this, maybe I will work up the nerve to attempt one.
Love this tutorial! I may do this for my in-laws. Stopping by from Thankful for our Community Blog Hop!
Thanks Rachel! I fyou make a version I’d love to see how it turns out! Thanks so much for stopping by!