Map Mirror

I am lucky enough to have friends and family who support my obsession with rescuing old worn-out furniture and decor. I love getting a phone call from someone who has some old junk for me to makeover. 

My step-grandmother-in-law (say that five times fast) recently gave me this mirror to transform. It had a sweet little shape but many years ago it had been painted the color of a number two pencil – not the best look.



I knew right away this mirror was calling out for more than a fresh coat of paint. It needed something graphic to help keep the curves from looking too country. I knew that maps were the perfect solution.

I adore map projects. One of my very first posts highlighted some amazing map inspiration and one of my favorite projects is my map typewriter stand.

I started by taping off the mirror and spray painting the frame white in case the paint showed through anywhere. Then I broke out the Mod podge and a 1989 atlas from the Goodwill.



The last time I tried to mod podge a map, it turned into a wrinkly mess. I did not want that happening again, so I followed some tips from Mod Podge Rocks and sprayed both sides of my maps with acrylic sealer first. 



I mod podged the map to the frame and then followed up with four coats of mod podge on top to make sure it was protected.

I love how it turned out! Beautiful, graphic, and wrinkle-free.



I chose to use the maps of major U.S. cities for this project.







I love how the maps wrap around the chunky sides of the mirror.

Of course, this would be a great using a map of your own city or state. And the same technique could be used to wrap picture frames. It would be really sweet to cover some frames in maps of your favorite vacation spots and fill them with vacation photos. Hmm…I may just have to try that one myself. Personalized, meaningful home décor is always my favorite. 

So, do you love maps as much as me? Seen any other great map projects lately?

I am linking this project up at Southern Lovely, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, The 36th Avenue, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Simple Home Life, Serenity Now, Addicted to Decorating, Mod Vintage Life, A Diamond in the Stuff, Primp, Elizabeth & Co, Not Just a Housewife.