How To Make A World Map Necklace From Eyeglasses

It was after having a tidy up during lockdown that I got the idea for this world map necklace.

I was tidying out the kitchen drawers. You know the drawers where you just shove all those little bits and pieces that you don’t know what do to with.

It was during this sort out that I came across a couple of old pairs of eyeglasses. I don’t know who’s they were, as no one in my family wears glasses. They weren’t in a great state and had obviously been there for a number of years.

Upcycling Eyeglasses into a World Map Necklace and Road Map Keychain.

In the past, I’ve made repurpose eyeglass ornaments. This time I decided to upcycle the glasses into a world map necklace, I have a thing about maps.

As I had more than one pair of glasses, I decided to expand my repertoire and make a keychain as well. This time instead of using a world map I used an old roadmap.

The world map necklace would make a lovely gift for someone who has wanderlust. It is also a great little upcycling project to make something personal that might have just ended up in the bin. Especially if you use the recipient’s old glasses.

The map keychains would also make a lovely gift for anyone. Especially if you use a road map of an area that was of significance to them, such as where they live. I’ve made printed map rock keychains before that proved to be a popular gift.

If you don’t happen to an old pair of eyeglasses lying around, try your local thrift/charity stores. Charity and junk shops often have a box of old eyeglasses from house clearances. These days you can also buy eyeglasses from your local dollar/pound shop.

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What You Need

• Old pair of eyeglasses for repurposing
• Coloured suede leather thong or silver chain
• Keyring if making a key chain
• Mod Podge
• A rotary tool with a cutting blade

The World Maps

I have download a collection of different types of world maps from vintage to modern and put them into a lens-shaped template. You can download these world templates here and choose one of the world maps for your world map necklace.

If there isn’t a world map here that you want there is a good selection of free vintage world maps on Pictureboxblue.com. If making your own template Canva or Photoshop a good graphics package to use.

You might notice that the last image on the map template is not a map. That is because it is a zodiac map for Aquarius. I used this vintage image to make a personalized star sign necklace. The other vintage zodiac sign pictures are available here.

How To Repurpose Eyeglasses into a Necklace

1.. The first thing to do is to dismantle the eyeglasses. The idea is to end up with one lens still wrapped in the frame wire. First, using a little screwdriver, remove the arms from the glasses.

Then using a rotary tool and metal cutting blade cut any unnecessary bits of metal on the frame. I cut off the nose pads but left the wire that attached them to use as a fixing point for the necklace cord.

Anysharp bits of metal can be grounded smooth using the rotary tool and a grinding attatchement.

Originally I tried to drill a hole in the glass to use for the necklace cord. However, even though I have successfully drilled through glass for a jar lamp base before, I didn’t have much luck this time.

I think that was a combination of two factors, one I didn’t have the right drill bit (diamond tip). Secondly, whoever the glasses belonged too before had really bad eyesight as the lens was very thick!

2. Next, decide on what world map you want to use for the necklace and then cut it out of the template. Cover the face of the map with Mod Podge and then stick it firmly to the underside of the lens.

Don’t worry at this stage if the map sticks out from the eyeglass frame this can be fixed later.

3. Once the Mod Podge has dried and the map is firmly stuck to the lens, remove any excess paper. One of the easiest ways to to do this is to simple sand it away with some sandpaper.

4. Finally, just add the suede cord to use as a necklace chain. If you prefer you can use a silver chain instead. Personally, I liked the bright colours that the suede cord comes in.

How To Make A Road Map Keychain

1.. This time instead of using a printed world map use an old road map. Place the eyeglass lens over the bit of the map you want to use and draw around it.

2. Paste the face of the cut map with Mod Podge and stick it to the eyeglass lens. The same as with the world map necklace above. This time though instead of a leather thong add a keyring to the lens.

I also have a tutorial for a fun wall key holder to hang the upcycled map keychain on.

I have some other fun projects on Pillarboxblue that involves repurposing old road maps. Such as the cotton reel map Christmas ornaments and map repurposed empty cookie tins.

If you can’t find the map you want to use then check out my free printable maps collection. There are also several unique map craft ideas for the home.

For more thirfty craft ideas visit Cheapthriftyliving.com