This vintage map heart garland is basically an update of the repurposed map decorations I made for my home over Christmas.
I can’t get enough of decorating my home with vintage maps. I thought it would be fun to make a heart garland out of old maps for Valentine’s day.
Valentine’s day is a special day in our home. Not because we are soppy romantics. I don’t really go in for all the going out for a romantic meal etc. I know I’ve already mentioned it (sorry) with my “Heart String Lights” but it is actually my Birthday then.
So it’s kind of fun to have a few decorations around. This year it’s a milestone birthday! I won’t tell you which one, but you can probably work it out.
Decorate Your Home With A Vintage Map Heart Garland
Another great reason for making this map heart garland was that it enabled me to play with one of my Christmas presents, an extra-large heart punch. Which I also used to make my fabulous watercolor heart wall decoration.
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What you need to make a Map Heart Garland
- Vintage road maps – If you don’t have any thrift store and eBay are great places to find them.
- Extra large heart punch
- Red twine/string
- Pritt Glue Stick
How to Make A Heart Garland
1.. The heart punch is what makes this craft so easy. You could, of course, cut out individual hearts by hand but that would take forever and it would be hard to get them all exactly the same.
Punch out lots of heart shapes from your vintage map. You will need six for each map ornament. Then multiply that by how long you want the heart garland to be.
You can make this garland extra special by using maps of places that are special to you.
2. Next, when you have punched all the hearts you need, fold each one in half. Fold down the centerline to the tip of the map heart.
If the maps are only printed on one side, make sure the print is on the inside of the folded heart shapes.
3. Next, using the glue stick, cover the outside half of one heart and stick it to the outside heart of another. Carry on until all six folded hearts are stacked on top of one another.
4. Next, open out the 3d map heart, and cover both end bits in glue. Before gluing the 2 ends together, place the red twine in the middle.
5. Carry on sticking all the map hearts to the twine. Making sure they are evenly spaced.
It really is that simple! I’ve made two one for the kitchen and another for the mantle in the living room.
I’ve also made map paper Christmas trees as well using a method similar to these map heart garlands. That time though the maps were cut into a Christmas tree shape rather than hearts.
If maps aren’t your thing then you can use this method to make paper heart garlands out of other kinds of paper. Valentine’s printed craft paper would work or even upcycle old Valentine’s cards to make the garland.
There is a free collection of vintage Happy Valentine’s cards and images to print here.
If you love vintage maps as much as I do, you should check out all my other map crafts and DIYs. They include more map themed Valentine crafts such as my beautiful map roses, map treat bags and map ornaments.
How about framing a personalized map heart as Valentine’s gift?
You might want to check out these pinecone flower heart decorations too.
Maria
I love how delicate and pretty the garland. Perfect for anytime
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much. Sometimes simple is best.
Linda at Mixed Kreations
Cute little map hearts! Love all your map projects!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Linda, I do have quite a few of them.
Rosie (@greenrosielife)
I love these but my only problem would be cutting up the maps as I love pouring over old maps! #GoingGreen
Claire Armstrong
I know what you mean about cutting up old maps, but I have so many road maps I knew I wouldn’t miss one.
Lynda Hardy
These would be such fun decorations for a going away party! Thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Lynda, that’s a good idea.
Julie
Happy Birthday for the other day, hope it was fabulous!
You must be rubbing of on me. I have a project on the go at the moment with a old road map book I found knocking around!
This is super de dooper cute, I love your heart punch too – great gift!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Julie. Look forward to seeing your map project.
Colleen @ Life on Kaydeross Creek
Oh my gosh, this is adorable! I love anything made with maps and all of these ideas are awesome!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much ?❤️
STEPHANIE ABBOTT
Beautiful ,like everything you do!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, that’s lovely to hear ❤️
Louisa
These are fab. The maps stop the hearts becoming too cutsie so you can use them for other occasions than valentines. I hope you have an amazing birthday! #handmademonday
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Louisa. Yes I think they will be staying up after Valentine’s Day!
Cecilia
Wonderful garland, Claire! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm–pinned!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you’ Cecilia and thanks for hosting.
Michelle Leslie
It’s another winner Claire. There’s just something about a map that still appeals to me. I hope they never go out of fashion
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Michelle. I know what you mean there is something so appealing about old maps I think they are beautiful.
Mary
Claire I love these cute little hearts. Of course I love all of your map projects!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much Mary. There are more map crafts to come.
Trish
I love all the cool crafts you make out of maps. You’re my go-to gal for all map stuff for sure.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Trish. I have more map crafts planned.
Bri Adams
I am a TOTAL sucker for maps and anything vintage so this is fabulous. I DO go all out for holiday decor and I’d love to make a few of these guys to hang around. Thanks so much for sharing.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Bri. It is fun to change up the decorations for different holidays.