How is everyone’s week going so far? Are you staying warm out there? Before I dive in to today’s tutorial, I’m over at The 36th Avenue today sharing a project that goes right along with today’s post. So after you get through this tutorial, go see what else I made using the same technique over there :)
Now. Here is my confession. I have been working on this project for probably 2 years. Don’t laugh because once you see it you’ll wonder why it took me so long to make this DIY Rustic Picture Frame that holds this beautiful map of Paris! And you’ll never guess where I found the map either.
The story is… I stumbled upon this map of Paris at none other than Papyrus TWO years ago. You see, that is actually a sheet of specialty wrapping paper!!!! Can you believe it. A $4.99 sheet of wrapping paper. Do you know how much vintage looking maps go for? So naturally I bought a sheet. I was ecstatic. Who would ever guess I’d be framing wrapping paper.
Well, about a year go I tried to make a frame for it out of old pallets but that was a complete fail and I ruined my sheet of $4.99 wrapping paper and the project went in the garbage. ANYWAY. Fast forward to a few months ago and my local craft store started carrying this specialty wrapping paper! I was SOOOO excited when I found this map again. So I thought I’d give this project another try. So here is round 2 and I am really happy with how it turned out. It was worth the wait.
The frame I made was super simple. I busted out two of them at the same time and it didn’t take more than a few hours total.
Supplies
– (3) 1/2 X 3 X 48 Popular Wood (you may need only two pieces if you are making a smaller frame and the width actually measure 2 1/2″ in real life)
– Stain of choice ( I used a combination of Rustoleum English Chestnut, Minwax Kona, and Rustoleum Weathered Gray)
– Minwax Satin Polyurethane
– (4) 2″ Zinc Brackets
– 1/2″ Screws
– (2) Hooks for hanging
I simply cut the pieces with square edges. No miter saw needed or any special cuts. I tell ya anyone can make this frame!
Then, I secure them with the zinc brackets and stained the entire frame. I used little 1/2″ screws. Don’t use any longer or they will puncture through the wood.
For the stain, I did a coat of English Chestnut, then a did a more dry rub with the Kona and topped it off with Weather Gray. I really like this mixture.
Now for my wrapping paper map… I glued it to a piece of foam board and then secured it to the frame.
UPDATE: After the glue dried on my board it started to warp a little bit. I’m not sure if it was the type of glue I used? I would just be cautious of it. I used a thicker glue so maybe a spray adhesive wouldn’t warp it as much.
Lastly, I added hooks to hand it.
SO excited about how this turned. I love it when something FINALLY works out. Even if it did take me two years.
Do you have projects that have been on your list for years and it ends up taking you no time at all to complete?
About Taryn Whiteaker
Hi! I’m Taryn! The voice behind Taryn Whiteaker Designs. I launched this brand over 11 years ago when I became a stay-at-home mom. What started as a small craft and mom blog eventually grew into a full time design and DIY site. My goal has always been to inspire others (especially women!) with design ideas, DIY tutorials, entertaining ideas and give you the tools you need to complete them yourself!
Great idea for inexpensive framing and looks so pretty!
That is so cute! I really like those adorable zinc pieces! Good job!
Very cute! i’ve had some of that same paper – not sure if I still have it but I’m loving what you did with it :)
Love metal braces, could use l shaped ones also. Knowing how I’d have to put it together, I’d need multiple brackets, lol (front an back). I’ve never put things together like that, I Have the boss hubs to do it for me. When I try to do anything like that he’s grabbing it out of my hands to do “right way” (his way). lol.
You did great job gal, love combo of stains. I’ll have to get more stains. Finally found my stain and few other things when I put stand for paint in my craft room during the big overhaul.
What craft store did you find the wrapping paper map of Paris again?. That’s so great you found the map again. I’d sure love to find that map to frame. If nothing else can get some maps off Graphics Fairy.
gotta go, boss hubs has supper ready. Happy week Pinning this
So cool! Pinning now! ~Lisa
You know I love this! And a map of Paris – perfection!
Great idea! And love the wrapping paper from Papyrus – always such gorgeous prints.
Hi Taryn! I love your map and frame! Just wondering how did you attach the foam board to the frame? Did you cut the foam board a bit larger than your frame opening and glue it to the wood?
I LOVE this! I have this EXACT map that I bought from a street vendor in Paris. SO making this frame – it’s perfect! Thanks for sharing :)