5 Easy Crafts with Maps

Display your travel books and photo albums between personalized blocks.

Buy solid wood block letters that spell out or represent the city you visited. Trace the outline of each letter onto a map, then cut out the shape. Cover the face of the wood block with a thin coat of craft glue, then firmly press on the map outline. Trim the edges of the paper with an X-Acto knife if necessary. Let dry.

TIP!: Wrap it up!
 To cover the sides of the block, measure its width, then cut long strips out of the map. Apply glue to the uncovered wood and firmly press the strips on top. Trim with an X-Acto knife.

Dress up the classic hostess gift by using a map from the region where the grapes were grown.

Glue an unlined index card to the back of a map. Once dry, use sharp scissors to cut the card into any shape you like, then pen a sweet note on the blank side. Make a hole with a hole punch, string it with twine and tie to your wine bottle.

It's a new kind of scrapbook: Take a (road) trip down memory lane with a 3-D souvenir case.

Remove the back of a shadow box frame and cut a map to fit its dimensions. Glue the map to the backing, then trim the edges if necessary. Let dry. Tape, glue or pin shells, photos, tickets and other trinkets on top of the map. Put the frame back together.

TIP!: Make a bank!
 Using an X-Acto knife or scissors, cut a rectangular opening that is long and wide enough to fit bills and coins.

Capture the contour of a city landmark and turn it into eye-catching wall art.

Trace an iconic image from your vacation spot -- a monument, the skyline, a favorite food -- onto your map, then cut it out with scissors. Spread a coat of craft glue onto the back of the silhouette and press it onto colored card-stock paper. Let dry, then frame.

Map out a special spot in your nightstand or dresser to stash some of your favorite things.

Measure your drawer dimensions, then outline and cut each panel from your map. Spread a thin layer of glue on the drawer surface, then firmly press the map on top, smoothing it with your fingers. Let dry. Top the map with clear contact paper to protect it from scratches and tears.

Keep crafting on with these easy DIY upgrades!