How to Make a DIY Map Covered Picture Frame

We love to travel — exploring new places, wandering hidden streets, and collecting memories along the way. And while photos on our phone are wonderful, I enjoy creating something tangible to remind us of those special trips. That’s why I made this map-covered picture frame using a map from one of our favorite destinations. It’s an easy, budget-friendly project that turns an old frame into a meaningful travel keepsake.

Handcrafted Society

Today marks another exciting installment of our Handcrafted Society series, where a group of creative bloggers comes together to craft projects centered around a common theme, and this month, we’re all about upcycled frames.

So, grab something cool to drink and join us as we showcase our latest DIY creations. You’re sure to find inspiration for your next crafting adventure!

Don’t forget to check out the links to all the bloggers’ projects at the end of this post.

Why You’ll Love This Project

I’ve always been drawn to projects that feel personal. Making a map frame lets you:

• Showcase a special location – Using a map that highlights a meaningful place, whether it’s where you grew up, tied the knot, or took the trip of a lifetime, turns your frame into a piece of art you’ll treasure.
• Add instant vintage charm – The look and texture of a map instantly bring character and a nostalgic feel to your decor, making your frame a beautiful conversation starter.
• Upcycle instead of buying new – Giving an old picture frame a fresh purpose reduces waste, saves money, and creating something entirely unique in the process.

It’s also the perfect travel keepsake picture frame idea for gifting. Just imagine giving someone a frame covered in the map of where they honeymooned or studied abroad. How thoughtful is that?

Tools & Materials You’ll Need for a DIY Map Picture Frame

• An old picture frame (wood works best)
• Map (vintage or printed)
• Mod Podge or collage glue
• Chip brush or Foam brush
• Scissors
• Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing edges)
• Ruler
• Pen

How to Make a DIY Picture Frame Wrapped in a Map

Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Frame

When choosing a frame for this project, wood is your best bet. It’s sturdy, easy to sand, and gives the map a smooth surface to adhere to. Pick a frame with clean, simple lines so it won’t compete with the map’s pattern, and steer clear of ornate designs or deep grooves that can make the decoupage process more challenging.

Once you’ve chosen your frame, remove the glass and backing so you’re working with just the base.

Step 2: Choose Your Map

When it comes to picking a map for your frame, choose one that has personal meaning. I found several vintage road maps from AAA, and for my DIY frame, I chose maps of California that highlight the coastal areas and beaches we love to visit.

The maps are similar to the ones I used for my DIY decoupage seashell project and remind me of our annual summer vacations and beach trips that hold so many special memories for our family

You might choose a map of a favorite vacation spot, the city where you grew up, or a place you have always dreamed of visiting. Vintage maps add a beautiful, nostalgic touch, while modern maps offer bold colors and crisp details.

Step 3: Cut Your Map to Fit

First, lay your map face down and place the frame on top. If you’re featuring a specific location, center it where you want it on the frame.

Next, trace around the exterior of the frame and cut the map slightly larger than needed so you have enough extra paper to wrap around the edges. (Once it is glued in place, you can trim away any excess for a neat finish.)

Then draw a line around the interior of your frame on the back side of the map.

Remove the frame and draw a large “X” inside the box you just outlined for the frame’s interior. Using scissors or an X-Acto knife, carefully cut along the lines of the “X” but stop before reaching the corners.

This will leave you with four triangle-shaped flaps, two along the top and bottom and two along the sides, that you can fold and wrap neatly around the inside edges of the frame.

Make a diagonal cut at the outside of each corner, then a short vertical cut to remove a small triangular piece of the map from both the top and bottom edges.

Step 3: Apply the Map

Using your foam brush, spread a thin, even layer of Mod Podge onto one section of the frame.

Press the map gently onto the glued surface, smoothing it with your fingers to avoid bubbles. Work in small sections until the whole frame is covered.

I started with the exterior pieces first and then folded over the interior triangles ti finish it off.

Step 4: Smooth and Seal

Once the map is in place, smooth it one last time and trim any excess paper from the edges.

Let it dry completely, then apply a top coat of Mod Podge to seal and protect it.

Tips for a Perfect DIY Map Picture Frame

• Vintage style – Hunt for old atlas pages or nautical charts for extra charm.
• Color coordination – Choose maps in colors that match your decor.
• Collage effect – Use pieces from different maps for a more whimsical design.
• Gift giving – Slip in a photo from a trip for a personal touch.

If you love incorporating personal touches into home projects, you might also enjoy my coastal cottage table decor ideas, where I styled a table using treasures from our beach trips.

FAQs

Can I use laser or inkjet-printed maps?
Yes! Inkjet prints work great. Just let the ink dry completely to avoid smudging when applying Mod Podge.

Can I use napkins or tissue paper instead of maps?
Absolutely! The process is the same, and napkins with map prints or coastal designs work beautifully.

Don’t miss the amazing map-inspired creations from the rest of the Handcrafted Society! Click through to see the beautiful and creative projects these talented bloggers have dreamed up—you’re sure to be inspired.

Final Thoughts on How to Make a DIY Picture Frame Using a Map

This upcycled picture frame with a map is such a simple and fun way to turn something old into something meaningful. Every time I look at mine, I think about our coastal vacations and the special memories we made there. It is such a great feeling to have a piece of decor that tells a story and brings back those moments every time you see it.

If you decide to make your own, I would love to see what you create. Share it on Instagram and tag me so I can see the places your maps take you and the memories that inspired them.

Happy crafting!