this DIY project by mindy
One of the easiest, cost effective ways to create instant art is to frame decorative papers. I usually lean towards simple graphic patterns for framing, but decided to frame wrapping paper maps to add to our growing wall of maps in our home office.
Work with what you already have to keep this project low budget, or invest in some frames you like. I have always been a huge fan of the surprisingly sturdy IKEA Ribba Frame. Sold in a variety of finishes and sizes, the two I used here were $20 each,
» paper
Any type or size of paper can be framed. These papers are made by Cavallini and the paper is a great thickness that stays nice and flat behind the glass. Most art stores or paper craft stores have an interesting supply of large flat decorative papers. Some (like these) are sold as wrapping paper, but are worthy of framing. These cost $3 each. If you are in the Bay Area, my favorite places for paper are Flax, Paper Source, Pearl Art, Gump’s and Maido.
» tools used
scissors
ruler
pencil
hammer & nails/picture hanging hooks
Single Sheet
The Paris map paper was exactly the right height for the square frame, but too long, so I aligned the left edge in order to show the “PARIS” text and cut off the excess on the right side. The easiest way to do this is to remove the glass from the frame and place it over your paper as a cropping guide. Remember that the frame will cover a portion of the paper at the edges, so adjust accordingly. Then just trace on the paper using the glass edge as a guide and trim the paper.
Go Ahead, Cut it Up!
This IKEA Ribba frame came with a pre-cut matte to fit three 5×7 inch images. I placed the openings of the matte over the NYC Subway map to select my cropping areas. Each selection came from a different part of the map, so I made sure to trim carefully each time to leave the rest of the map intact. I trimmed the paper larger than the hole and taped it to the back side of the matte as I looked at the front side to make sure it was aligned correctly. I chose these three croppings to represented areas I remember most while visiting NY and the location where my father spent his childhood (Queens).
Wall of Maps
My two framed wrapping paper maps fit in nicely with the other maps of India and California that we received as a gift a few years ago. I’m not much into decorating with themes, but a huge wall of maps representing places we are from, have been and want to go has enough meaning that I can overlook the themeyness. I plan on adding a San Francisco map (Cavallini just made a nice new one that is all shades of green and very vintage looking) and a Chicago map once I find one I like.
Tags: maps, picture frames, wrapping paper
