DIY craft: How to turn old maps into artful posters

by Erin Ng

Erin Ng / Daily Bruin

Erin Ng / Daily Bruin

Pick your map of choice. Maps with a glossy finish will not work as well for this craft. Add two tablespoons of instant coffee to two cups of hot water and stir to dissolve. The more coffee you add, the darker your map will be. Let the coffee come to room temperature.


Erin Ng / Daily Bruin

Unfold your map to a size that fits comfortably into your baking tray. You should have the map side face up in order to soak in more color. Pour the coffee on top of the map, making sure it is completely wet. You may have to push the map down deeper into the tray in order to get full coverage once the coffee is added.


Erin Ng / Daily Bruin

Let the map soak for 10 to15 minutes, flipping it over about halfway through. Carefully take the map out of the tray, letting any remaining coffee drip back into the tray. The map is fragile and can easily rip if not handled carefully.


Erin Ng / Daily Bruin

Let the map soak for 10 to15 minutes, flipping it over about halfway through. Carefully take the map out of the tray, letting any remaining coffee drip back into the tray. The map is fragile and can easily rip if not handled carefully.


Erin Ng / Daily Bruin

When the map is dry, it will have a light brown, crinkled and aged appearance. You can take acrylic paint and draw on your favorite quote.


Erin Ng / Daily Bruin