Hello Friends!

I love a challenge. When Tasha of Designer Trapped in an Lawyers body asked me if I wanted to  create a 4th of July project without using the colors Red, White or Blue, I said “heck yeah”.

USA Map Art Project

I have joined up with more than 30 AMAZING bloggers to tackle the challenge of creating a patriotic project or recipe without using the traditional red, white and blue color scheme! How fun is that?! For the next four weeks, all 30+ projects will be shared on some of the most awesome blogs around. This is my project.

USA Map Art Project

So, 4th of July inspired decor can be a little “in your face” loud ” I love America. There is nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to create something that said “I love my country”, but in a low-key kind of way. It would also be very nice to have something that I could keep displayed year round.

I hopped in my car and visited the nearest craft store.

I purchased a wood painting panel and contact paper. Once back home, I used an image of the US Map to create a template. I am not a cartographer and my template is not accurate.

I traced the map template onto the contact paper.

I determined where I wanted my USA Map image on the wood panel.

I attached the contact paper to the wood panel. With Gray acrylic paint and water I made a paint wash. I mixed the water and paint together until it was the constancy of whole milk.

I applied the wash with a sponge brush. I love how wood grain is coming out.  I set the panel aside to dry for a few hours.

Now, my favorite part… I removed the contact paper.   How easy was that?

I love how it turned out. It is simple, elegant and sends a patriotic message without screaming it in your face.  We have it displayed on our fireplace and will probably keep up there until we have to make room for the Christmas Stockings.

So what do you think of my USA Map Project. Too little, too much or just right.

Don’t forget about the $310 Target gift card giveaway. To celebrate summer and the 4th of July holiday, we want to give you more than just creative inspiration. We want to give one lucky reader a $310 Target Gift Card! The giveaway will end on July 4, 2014 at 11:59 pm. But why wait to enter? Do it now! Best of luck to you
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ow, before you head out, be sure to head over to  to check out our first inspiring project from the amazing Katie! And the line-up for the next few days includes  Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body, One Krieger Chick, Craftberry Bush and Black and White Obsession . Be sure to check their blogs throughout the week to see their amazing projects.

Thanks for visiting, Carmody

If you are interested in me writing for you, please contact me at paperandfox@gmail.com

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Carmody Tisdale