For those of us who love to travel, each new city or country has a way of changing us slightly, providing a new lens that alters the way we see the world. I find that's even more true when you have lived in different places. You're gaining new perspective while still cherishing the memories of homes past. This DIY map heart shadowbox is a visual reminder of where we've been and where we'd like to go again.
Some people used this latest Pinterest Challenge to tackle truly daunting and inspiring projects. For me, this DIY was simple, yet overdue. My dear friend Alisa moved from Boston to Chicago recently, and I have been trying to think up the perfect housewarming-slash-"I miss you" gift for months. As a travel bug, I knew she would appreciate the map aspect, and having just moved into a new place, she probably needed some wall decor. Really, once I picked the project and purchased the materials, the rest came together in mere minutes. Here's what the finished product before framing (pesky glass and its glare):
I hope you love it, Alisa! And I hope others are inspired to create their own favorite places art.
Map Heart Shadowbox:
• Road Atlas: $11
• 8"x8" shadowbox: $19
• Straight pins: $6
Total: $36 (If you don't have these things lying around, which, many might!)
Did you DIY anything for the Pinterest Challenge? Share in the comments!
Images: Inspiration photo from tckyboo.com via Pinterest. Other photos: Tara Bellucci.
Weekend DIYs: 10 Wood Molding Projects for the Home
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
I recaulked my bathtub using a guide from Yellow Brick Home that I pinned... Not the most photo worthy thing, but technically it qualifies. My bathtub certainly looks better!
Cute :)
This I LOVE! Simple, cute, and creative...
Ikea has a similar frame for $9.99 http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00078051/
How simple & gorgeous! I'm a vintage map collector, & it just happens that I also cut them into heart shapes, to create custom "home sweet home" anatomy-inspired cutouts. A number of completed works are on my Pinterest board here: http://pinterest.com/ania/my-portfolio/ http://pinterest.com/ania But I do love this simple project & the intention behind it!
Definitely planning to do this. My husband grew up in Chicago and I in Tallahassee. We dated long distance for over a year. Then we both lived in California. Recently we moved to London. I've decided that whenever we find a place to "settle" I will make a craft like this with all the places we've lived. :) So many memories.
I made a frame with important places my SIL has lived for her as a Christmas gift. I did a frame with 3 squares and cut out 3 heart shaped google maps. I figure if she hates it she'll have a picture frame.
Love this idea, especially since I work with paper most of the time.
I love travel themed art that showcases where you've been. I made this little project using some travel badges that my grandfather collected during his own travels.
http://strawberryroandesign.blogspot.com/2011/11/travelling-art.html
This is so cute : )