Framing Maps in Antique Oval Picture Frames

A couple of months ago, I posted a photo on my Sadie Seasongoods Facebook page. It was a project I had worked on a year ago, before I had even started my blog. The response to me framing maps in oval picture frames was was overwhelmingly good. So, I knew I was onto something and decided to create new ones so that I could share it as a project tutorial here on my blog.

It’s not like this is a complicated project. Painting  oval picture frames and cutting out a snippet of antique maps to fit- not exactly quantum physics.

And I’m no stranger to upcycling oval frames. Remember these “Easter Eggs” that I made for my mantel?

But, anyway. Something special seems to happen when you place a vintage road map in round picture frames that have been given a splashy makeover. The key to it all is finding both the perfect frames and state maps of your desired destination.

There’s ALWAYS a catch!

So, I started collecting the right vintage maps with oval frames I found at thrift and antiques stores.

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Framing Maps for Map Wall Art

First, I selected a pretty basic oval frame that had a VERY unexciting snow scene inside.

After the frame has been dismantled, I cleaned both sides of the glass and used the glass to trace on the vintage roadmap. I LOVE using the frame glass for this because I can see through it and capture exactly the right snippet.

Then, I cut out the oval snippet of map to put inside my oval frame!

Lastly, I spray painted the oval frame in a bright color that coordinated with my snippet of map. I opted not to distress the paint finish but I DID spray on a clear coat to protect the paint from chipping.

Then, I reassembled the entire frame and absolutely LOVED it.

Framing Maps in Antique Oval Picture Frames

In our home, we have several framed maps of places we’ve lived in or vacationed to.

And I’m also a fan of framing maps in the more ornate oval picture frames. I love how a paint job brings out the details of the round picture frames, including cracks and imperfections.

These framed maps are like creating portholes into your own personal history.

I can’t stop making them. As soon as I find more oval picture frames, I find more vintage road maps to showcase!

This map wall decor is perfect as office wall art, or wall decor for other rooms in your home, like a den, study, or living room. And having a personal connection to the locations on the map is simply divine.

So there you have it- ridiculously simple, and it looks impossibly sublime. On the wall, they look like portholes to your favorite places, without the tangled web of interstates.

In fact, they may just inspire a trip taking the back roads to a familiar destination.

Where would you hang this type of map wall art? And would you use vacation destination state maps or antique maps of places you’ve lived? There are just so many options.

All I know is, oval picture frames or round picture frames give this type of framed wall art even more panache!

Interested in more crafts with upcycled paper like this? Check out this collection for even more inspiration!

Craft on!

S

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