DIY Art: Framed Calendar Maps!
The other day I received an email asking about the artwork in my family room, and it occurred to me I hadn’t shared the story behind the maps on my walls. They tie into my recent post about our little life of “adventure” and felt worth explaining here.
So let’s talk about these maps.
The centerpiece is an original piece by an artist from a trip my husband and I took to Hawaii. The surrounding maps, however, are cut from a vintage map calendar — an easy, affordable way to add color, pattern, and personal meaning to a wall.
I prefer to select maps from places I’ve actually visited; I’m not a fan of random, meaningless art.
I’d love to remove those light switches, but they’re part of the room. Framing over them isn’t a good option because the switch gets bumped and, yes, our fireplace turns on.
My camera battery was dead when I took these, and I misplaced the charger, so the photos aren’t as sharp as I’d hoped. Still, they show the idea: the frames are recycled and roughly spray painted, intentionally imperfect. I don’t worry if the prints don’t fit the frames exactly; a bit of the map tucked behind the mat or edge doesn’t bother me.
I don’t use any special measurements or spacing techniques. I eyeball the placement until it feels right. I generally nail them up after thinking about the arrangement, and if it’s not quite right I shift one or two. My husband wishes I would measure for perfect spacing, but I see measuring as a constraint on creativity. I prefer to hang and move on to the next project.
I aim for a controlled yet slightly haphazard look — a mix of symmetry and a bit of asymmetry. The result feels deliberate but relaxed. That said, I do limit how much I put on a wall; I don’t want every surface cluttered with art and objects.
I wish my battery had held out so I could share a wider shot of the whole fireplace wall, but these images should give you the idea.
To keep frames from shifting, I use a small piece of poster putty behind them; it helps them stay straight and prevents tipping.
Now you know the story behind this artwork. Do you prefer precise, measured hanging or a more freeform, slightly wonky arrangement like mine?
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Also linked up to Frugal Girls Chic & Craft Link Up!
For more map and travel memory art ideas, check out various creative tutorials and projects that use maps to preserve memories and add personal meaning to your decor.