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
I adore this, Carmody! SUCH a smart use of contact paper. I was wondering how you did it! Thanks so much for participating in the blog hop!
Thanks Tasha! This is such a fun blog hop and excited to see what all these creative brains come up with.
What a beautifully simple project! Very clever use of contact paper!
Thanks Amy, I also like affect of the beaded up paint on the contact paper.
Stopping by from That’s Fresh Friday link party. I love this, it is nice to see something patriotic that isn’t red, white and blue. Thanks for sharing
Thank you Melinda!
This is so easy and cute! I want to make something similar for my son’s bedroom. He gets excited whenever he sees a flag (even on a license plate) or a map of the USA.
Rachel, this is a great project for you and your son to do together.
Such a clever idea! It looks so effective! I love the concept of using contact paper as a mask – my brain is ticking with possibilities now.
Thanks Karen! It was a really fun and simple project.
I really like this! I like the wood grain showing through.
Thanks Elise! That was my goal.
I love this Carmody! Great job
Thanks Corey!
I love that you made the background dark vs the map. This is such a great series!
I think your map is just right- not too much and not too little. It makes it easier to ‘layer’ other elements wherever you put it!
I’m loving this blog hop thus far, cannot wait to see what else is in store!!
Love how this turned out!
That’s awesome!! I’ve been looking for any easy way to track where we’ve been in the world and that might be a perfect way to do it. Pinning so I don’t forget. Thanks!! Would love if you linked this up over at our Motivational Monday link party on Burlap and Babies.
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Thanks for sharing this awesome project with us at The Makers. I love it!
Stopping by to let you know I will be featuring you tomorrow on my 4th of July P3 post!
Kim
Yeahh!!!! Thanks Kim! I am flattered.
I love it, Carmody! Perfect for staying up year round.
there is no Upper Peninsula?!