Pottery Barn Inspired New York Tiled Map Diy

I am always on the lookout for my next big project and I am not ashamed to tell you that I often borrow my ideas from the millions of ideas floating out there on the internet. It may not be direct theft, but I do hunt for inspiration and then I try to either put my own spin on a project or try to figure out how I could achieve a similar result without the benefit of a diy.


I love Pottery Barn, and I really love when they feature a project that features pallet wood. I could make that!
OK, they probably didn't use pallet wood, but they could have. The planked Manhattan sign (also available for Chicago)from Pottery Barn is a true statement piece,measuring 8 feet long and 2 feet high! I just needed to find myself a map.






I found my map. You may not be able to tell, but I made the lettering slightly darker in my photo editing software..
Now import your map into another piece of software that allows you to make any custom sized page size. For 8 foot by 2 foot, the custom page size will be 96 x 24. I use Microsoft Publisher all the time because I can make any sized sign imaginable.To see how the map will actually print out, do a print preview before printing. The map prints out on 27 sheets of paper.






And each of those 27 sheets of paper need to be trimmed before making your map.






I suggest doing test boards to see how the modpodge will react to your ink and paper. Some people have suggested getting laser copies at a copier center when using modpodge. That is up to you, my test boards went surprisingly well so I ended up just printing my map on my inkjet printer.






Before making your map you'll need to prepare your pallet wood background. Here 4 sections of 24 x 24 pallet wood is ready for modpodge.






Start modpodging, starting from one corner and working your way out. Coat the pallet wood with a layer of modpodge then gently lay your map piece of top, smooth, and repeat. Finish off with a layer of modpodge on top.
I used the full sheets of copy paper over top of multiple pieces of pallet. When dry, a sharp razor blade inserted between the pallet pieces separated the pallets.






After the modpodge was dry, I coated the entire piece with a layer of antiquing wax. Now it looks more like an aged map.






I hope you get a chance to stop by. I have more tips on preparing your pallet wood, sources for maps as well as my Pottery Barn inspiration.








Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/10828830/pottery-barn-inspired-new-york-tiled-map-diy site