I rent. So, there are only so many pictures I can hang. More
important than, that I absolutely love the art that is hanging on my walls.
This project now was on my mind for quite some time. I left Germany a couple of
years ago now, and I still miss it. I have an empty wall in my craft room that I
wanted to display something about me. So, I looked at all sorts of
prints and ideas when I stumbled over some websites offering roadmap prints of
cities. I could have quite easily entered my hometown, order it and hang it on
my wall. But I am a crafter, and I found
every possible excuse to make it myself. I was never quite happy with the sizes
offered, the colours used and so on. Let’s face it, whatever my end result, it
will never be as good as a professionally done print. But it will have been my
accomplishment. Something to hopefully
proudly say about: “I did it myself. It’s where I come from”.
Get a map for your roadmap art.
Getting a map was no easy task. As my hometown is not a tourist
attraction, though it really should be, getting hold of a sufficiently big and comprehensive map required some searching. Still, eventually, I
found a roadmap that met my expectations. It covers the entire region surrounding my hometown. I don’t think will add road names to
my art, but I would like it to be as detailed as possible. Having found the right map, the next question was on what
kind of canvas or to create the art.
What to draw the roadmap wall art on.
The question of what sort of canvas the roadmap art was to be based
on came hand in hand with the question of what look I wanted to go for. When I
started planning this project, I wanted the art to seamlessly merge with the
wall. I could do that by using paper as
my basis and create a poster or acrylic glass. The Paper seemed to be too flimsy
and might not have the elevated feel I would like to see.
I did not want a frame around the art, as it would break the
seamless look I wanted to go for initially. However, after choosing the wall art size, I decided to purchase a picture frame with acrylic glass
because I would like to try both and see what fits best, really. I will stick to copying the street patterns
on the acrylic glass as it is easier. I won’t need a contraption of a sort to
have enough backlight to follow the street pattern on paper.
Copying the street pattern.
With every craft project, I assess eventual problems in advance.
For example, how to keep the map and glass always aligned so that the pattern
won’t shift or wobble. I decided to fix the glass on top of the map with double-sided cello tape. This way, the map is fixed in place while I might be still
able to see the patterns to follow around the edges of the glass.
Working on acrylic glass, I have some other considerations to make.
What pen will I be using? A wipeable pen might not hold the pattern for long,
especially if I can’t find a way to put a protective layer on top. Putting
something on top of a wipeable marker might again damage the pattern.
Using a permanent marker comes with its own risks. What can I do if the marker is accidentally smeared all over the surface or smudged in one
part? I will be working inside out, but what solution would there need to be if something goes wrong? A little research on the internet, and I think I have
some solutions to erasing permanent marker.
So, I got all materials for the roadmap wall art ready and started.
How to copy the street pattern.
When everything was set up, I wondered where to start. Several options
presented themselves. I could start from the top and work myself down. I could
start in the middle and work my way outwards in circles, like a mandala. I
could start with the main roads and then fill in the rest.
I worked diagonally downwards, which means I started in the top
left corner and ended in the bottom right corner. Retrospectively, I would
start colouring areas first. I had a map of the entire region with cities and
villages, which I wanted to be coloured. I did it after I finished tracing the
roads, which created the need to retrace some parts. So, next time I would do
it the other way around. I would colour the areas I’d like to be highlighted
and then trace the roads. The double-sided cello-tape solution really worked quite
well. And as I finished the painting, I just stripped off the protection sheet on
the back of the Perspex. Done.
All in all, I am happy with how this piece came out. For the time being, I chose to hang it with a frame.
At this point, I think the frame gives the
picture the needed finish and impact. If the picture's size had been
bigger, perhaps I would have been more confident about hanging it without a
frame. But I think that’s an idea for another time.
What is your favourite piece of art in your home?
I
am looking forward to reading your comments.
If
you craft yourself, do not forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag
#craftjournaler
Let's share our ideas!
Feel
free to roam about and find more ideas on this blog. How about some more home
decor ideas?
Until
I see you next time remember: Keep colourful and craft more :-)
