How To Make A World Map Necklace From Eyeglasses

After having tidy-up during the lockdown, I got the idea for this world map necklace and eyeglass craft.

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

During this sort-out, I encountered a couple of old pairs of eyeglasses. I don't know who they belonged to, as no one in my family wears glasses. They weren't in a great state and had been there for several years.

Upcycling Eyeglasses into a World Map Necklace and Keychain

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

I had more than one pair of glasses, so I expanded my repertoire and made a keychain. This time instead of using a world map, I used an old roadmap.

The world map necklace would be a lovely gift for someone with 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 of significance to them, such as where they live. I've made printed map rock keychains, which are a popular gift.

If you don't have an old pair of eyeglasses, try your local thrift/charity stores. Charity and junk shops often have a box of old eyeglasses from house clearances. 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 downloaded various 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 you make your template, Canva or Photoshop is a good graphics package.

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

Step 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 as a fixing point for the necklace cord.

Any sharp bits of metal can be grounded smoothly using the rotary tool and a grinding attachment.

Initially, I tried drilling a hole in the glass for the necklace cord. However, even though I had successfully drilled through glass for a jar lamp base before, I didn't have much luck this time.

I think that combination of two factors, I didn't have the right drill bit (diamond tip). Secondly, whoever the glasses belonged to before had terrible eyesight as the lens was very thick!

Step 2: Next, decide what world map you want for the necklace and 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 if the map sticks out from the eyeglass frame; this can be fixed later.

Step 3: Remove any excess paper once the Mod Podge has dried and the map is firmly stuck to the lens. One of the easiest ways to do this is to sand it away with sandpaper.

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

How To Make A Road Map Keychain

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

Step 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, add a keyring to the lens instead of a leather thong.

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

You should also check out my Boho DIY denim necklace tutorial and these embroidered clay pendants.

I've repurposed old road maps into gorgeous paper bead bracelets, which would look fabulous with this map necklace.

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

If you can't find the map you want to use, check out my free printable maps collection. There are also several unique map craft ideas for the home. Check out these other decoupage crafts.

These repurposed glasses are featured under G in the A to Z of upcycle resources and ideas.

For other upcycled jewellery ideas, such as DIY bracelets, check out this DIY denim bracelet, denim earrings and these avocado pit bracelets and necklaces.

For more thrifty craft ideas, visit Cheapthriftyliving.com.