Let the decoupaging continue! Seriously, I’m basically covering everything with maps right now… and can’t stop. Well, it was about time that I make some map covered Christmas trees to go with the other coastal trees I have, so here are the EASY steps to make your own!
Decoupaged Christmas Trees
What you’ll need:
- Cardboard cones
- Paper maps
- Scissors
- Mod podge
- Sponge brush
This is pretty straight forward if you’ve decoupaged anything before. Start by getting your maps ready – I had to cut a few out. The “trees” aka cardboard cones I got at Hobby Lobby were tall enough that one map wouldn’t cover the whole thing, so I found maps that were similar and would look good together on the tree.
Once you have all your supplies, and are ready to begin, start by using the sponge brush and applying a light coat of mod podge to the cardboard cone.
Adhere the paper map to the cone. You can put a little mod podge on the back first, but I had a little too much on the cone, so didn’t want to over do it. Slowly press it on the cone, and make sure you get any bubbles or wrinkles out.
I started at the bottom, and worked my way up, so the top map would have the most showing, and overlay the previous one. Continue to apply some mod podge and attach the maps to the top.
The top map is the easiest, because you can lay it out how you like, and just wrap it around until it’s all adhered to the cone. The last step is to apply a thin layer of mod podge over the map to “seal” it in, and give it a more finished look. Voila —
Naturally, after I completed 1 tree in black and white vintage maps, I had to do one in color maps to make a pair.
I ended up putting these on the mantle, to the sides of our tv, and added some vases, a driftwood reindeer, glass buoy and metal tree to go with them. (Yes, that is a stocking, and pillow in front of the fireplace for Cleo. She’s extremely spoiled..) You can find directions to make the wooden stocking holders here.
The fun doesn’t stop there, haha! After I finished the trees, I tried my hand at decoupaging some ornaments! I had some cardboard ornaments that were much tricker than the trees because of their shape, but they worked (and are now hanging on our tree).
In all honesty, my favorite decoupaged ornaments have been the ceramic hearts. I’ve covered these heart ornaments in mostly low country maps, and added twine to hang them with. The fun part has been making custom orders with specific cities for friends and other customers.
You can find all my ornaments on my Etsy shop!
Now what else can I decoupage….?
Did you make the driftwood reindeer or buy it?
Hello! I did not make that, but I purchased it last year at Celadon, a local home shop in Charleston. They actually just launched an e-commerce site, so you might be able to find them on there: http://celadonathome.com/
Thanks!
Thank you!!
I have them around my house and love them. Good luck!
I LOVE these with the maps!! What a fun way to decorate lots of different parts of your home 🙂
Thank you! I also love maps because they can be so personal!
I love anything map related, so I am a big fan of all these crafts – they look so great and I love that they can be personalized!
I love anything maps – so I’m really into these crafts. Perfect that you can personalize them, too!
I love the map heart ornaments, so sweet. I’m sure you have no trouble with gift ideas with all this talent!
Merry Christmas!
Kristie
Kristie’s Reverie
Thanks Kristie!
This is so sweet!!
xx
Savannah