Who doesn’t like receiving a bunch of flowers? Sorry to put a damper on things, however, eventually, they wilt and die. The flowers go from smelling lovely and sweet to stinking something rotten! So I made some map
I’d love to have a regular supply of fresh flowers but I can’t afford it and I can’t remember the last time someone gave me a bunch of flowers (Paul if you’re reading this that’s a hint). I thought it would be fun to make some everlasting paper flowers.
How to Make Simple but Beautiful Map Roses
Paper flowers may not compare to the real thing but they still add a bit of colour and glamour to a home. They also make me smile when I spot them.
This being an upcycling blog and because I have a bit of an obsession with using old maps in my crafting, I chose to use them to make these paper flowers.
The map roses are really simple to create and I think they look gorgeous. You can show them all together in a bunch, or just stick one in a milk bottle on its own.
As roses are Valentine’s symbol, these map roses would make a lovely alternative Valentine’s gift. They really look fantastic as a gift topper. Last year I used maps to make some Valentine’s treat map hearts.
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What you need to make map roses
- Old maps, atlas’s etc you can get some awesome map wrapping paper however, I prefer to use maps that are printed on both sides. If that’s not possible one-sided maps will still work but will look a little different.
- Green Floristry wire and Green floristry tape
- Scissors and Pen
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Red watercolour paint and brush (optional)
How to Make Map Roses
1. First, you will need to cut out your map shaped petals. I used a template like the one shown for three different shaped petals, small, medium and large.
2 Place your petal template on top of the map, draw around it and then cut out the petal shape. For each map rose you will need six small petals, six medium petals, and six large petals. .
3. Cut your floristry wire to the length you would like your rose stem to be. Then wrap this wire with the green floristry tape.
Adding the petals to your map roses..
1. First, take a small map petal and roll it up tight, using a glue gun stick the petal to the end of your green stem.2. Take another small petal and gently roll it in your hand to shape it into a slight curve. Dab a small amount of hot glue onto the base of the petal and stick this to your stem.
3. Carry on with the remainder 4 small petals overlapping them slightly as you go round.
4. Next glue your medium-sized petals one by one to the outside of the small petals, again overlapping as you go round.
5. Repeat with the six remaining large petals.
Finishing off your map roses.
To finish your map roses you can stick a small green leaf cut from green paper to the stem. I also painted the edges of my rose petals with a small amount of red watercolour paint to add a bit more red to the maps.
Several map roses together create a lovely decoration. You can display them individually in small bottles. They also look very impressive together in a bunch. A single map rose on its own makes a gorgeous gift topper, especially if you use maps of meaningful places.
Map Roses
Use old road maps to make everlasting beautiful map roses.
Materials
- Old road maps
- Floristry wire
- Floristry tape
- Glue
Tools
- scissors
- glue gun
Instructions
- Download petal template from blog
- Draw around the petal templates onto maps and cut them out.
- Cover wire in tape
- Curl up first petal and glue to wire
- Add the other petals gluing one by one
Notes
Free maps available to download too.
I’ve also made some gorgeous upcycled denim flowers bouquet using this same method.
If you liked this then you will probably like some of my other popular map crafts.
Map heart garland
Treat map hearts for Valentine’s
Vintage map suitcase
Map heart ornament
If you are making map roses as a gift for someone because they love maps, then you may want to check out my other personalized map gift idea.
This map upcycle featured in the A to Z of upcycling ideas and resources.
Free Vintage Maps to Download
Maria
These are sweet flowers
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much Maria
Mike
i never thought the map could be so beautiful, Always consider them as boring stuff.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. I love maps especially old ones I think they add interest to ordinary things.
Dane
woua comme c’ est beau j’ adore c’ est magnifique très vintage un beau pas a pas je me suis abonnée a ton blog a bientôt
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it and thank you for subscribing.
Jennifer Wise
These are so beautiful! I love roses AND I love maps. This is an excellent tutorial, too. Pinning! 🙂
#embracingchangelinky
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much and thanks for the share.
Shirley
These are absolutely gorgeous! I used to make lots of flowers out of crepe paper many years ago. I never thought of using maps, or anything else for that matter..lol. I just love these!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Shriley. I just love crafting with maps whenever I can.
David Miller
i have never seen something like this before really so beautifull
thank you
Claire Armstrong
Thank you!
Sam
Tried these out for myself! They look amazing. I used atlas pages. Something I found helpful, bending the petals right down the middle gives them a fuller, more rose-like shape.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, and thanks for the tip. I’ll try that with my next bunch.
Deirdre Henry
You are so talented. Beautiful roses. Thank you for sharing.
marjan
Roses and maps! What a great combination!
Claire Armstrong
Yes, thank you.
Claire Armstrong
Cheers and thank you!
Julie
Hi Claire, just to let you know your lovely roses one of the features on Handmade Monday with week.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much, I look forward to seeing them.
Sandra
You should seriously have your own DIY show! Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, and thanks for the kind words.
Samantha
How pretty! I’ve always loved paper flowers. Thanks for joining the Family Joy Link Party.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and thanks for hosting.
Mary-the boondocks blog
Claire, I knew you liked maps but this is absolutely amazing. I really like how you added the red watercolor to the tips it makes a huge difference. In fact, if you are not looking closely you might mistake them for roses with a floral pattern. Either way, they are awesome.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much Mary. Yes I’m really pleased how the painted tops kind of bring them together.
Michelle
Oh my Claire your map roses are so unbelievably gorgeous. Wow!!! Simply beautiful
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much!
Erin - Suburban Simplicity
What a lovely and original projects! You’re a feature tomorrow at Welcome Home Wednesdays! Congrats. See you tomorrow 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you that’s great I look forward to seeeing it.
Shamira @ Smiling Notes
They look really cute and simple to make. Thanks for joining us at the Family Joy Blog link up party. xoxo
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and thanks for hosting.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I keep all the maps of places I’ve been for projects like this.
Vicky myers
As always with your projects beautiful- the pink brings them to life. Have to admit and this time of year if I do the weekly shop at Aldi I sneak some tulips into the shopping, I’ve saved the money by not going to Sainsbury’s!!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Vicky. I didn’t know Aldi sold flowers I’ll look next time I go in. It’s my birthday and Valentine’s Day tomorrow so perhaps I might be given some flowers.
Janet
What a cute idea Claire! Love the touch of watercolor paint on the ends!
Caroline
These are fab! Such a great idea x
Chris Dodsley @made by ChrissieD
Look gorg and so easy, pinning 😀 Dropping by from #HandmadeMonday
Cecilia
Absolutely charming, Claire! Pinned & tweeted! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much and thanks for sharing.
Helen at Pleasures of the NW
I love the things you do with maps! thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I just love working with maps.
janet trieschman
I love these map roses especially the pink edges! Thanks for sharing with us at #CCBG
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and thanks for hosting.
Brooke of Passport Couture
I love this idea! I love travel and Valentine’s Day, so this DIY project is perfect. Can’t wait to give it a try.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I love to travel too and Valentine’s Day is my Birthday. Good luck with them.
creativejewishmom/sara
lovely Claire, i might just try this with magazine pages as well, need a bunch of flowers for centerpieces this week! thanks for sharing on craft schooling sunday!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, would love to see how they look with magazine pages.
Debrashoppeno5
These are so pretty. They look complicated but you broke down so they are really easy to make. I can see so many ways to use these. Pinned.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, they are really simple to make.
Lynda
What a beautiful idea! My husband loves maps, and it’s fun to find new and creative ways to use them – definitely trying this! I hope you’ll share this with Awesome Life Friday. 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, and thanks for the invite.
Claire Armstrong
Thanks the pink kinds of brings them together.