Crate DIY :: A Lesson in Geography

Hey everyone! Kinsey here with our first ever "DIY" feature! Today, we'll be making a fun, interactive teaching map for the kiddos in your life (or just to hang as décor- because who doesn’t love a fun map right?!)! I chose to do a US map because my little 3rd grader is studying states and capitals right now, but the concept translates to any map - countries, continents…etc.

The Essentials: Corkboard Tile, Pattered Paper {Restoration, Portrait & Toy Box}, Tracing Paper/Transparency/Vellum, Graphite Transfer Paper, Craft Glue, Tape Adhesive, Stick Pins and Scissors.

So let’s get started making the map. For the outline, I referred to the ever so reliable, google search, and found a good US map (grayscale) that was without river labeling (the extra lines, makes it a little tough when it comes to tracing)… I printed the map on plain white copy paper and then with the help of tracing paper, I traced the map so that the outline would be easier to hand-cut when the time comes (I didn’t trace exactly as I left out some of the tiny nooks and crannies).

I wanted my map to be colorful so I opted to use several different patterned papers (using multiple papers means cutting the states individually. You can opt to use just one patterned paper if you prefer, but make sure you have enough of it to complete the project. Trace with a pen/marker.) To transfer each state to a different paper, I used graphite transfer paper…it can be found at just about any craft store and is similar to carbon paper but better because it's erasable! I transferred the outlines onto the reverse side of my papers so that I didn’t have to do any erasing. To do that, put your patterned paper face down so that the backside is facing up and then place the transfer paper on top of it. On top the transfer paper, place the tracing paper map (Face down! The states will be backwards but you’ll be able to see what you’re doing since the tracing paper is transparent). Using a ball point pen, trace the desired states onto your paper and then cut them out.

Once you’ve cut out all of the states (or the entire map), adhere them to a corkboard sheet or tile (you can find these at the craft store as well) using craft glue.

Optional: To add definition and to cover up some of the gaps between the varying states, I used a fine tip paint brush and glossy black paint to outline them. I also pre-pierced holes in each state - roughly where the capitals would be on the map. This ensures that the map doesn’t end up with a bunch of holes following multiple uses and also, so that Brianna can practice her state capitals on the same board.

Making the label ‘flags’: I typed all the states and capitals in a word document. Since the flags will be folded in half to attach them to the pins, I made sure to space the labels about 4 inches apart. I printed the labels onto plain white cardstock and then cut into strips (about 4 inches x ½inch).

I constructed the pin ‘flags’ using straight pins with flat heads (see photo below). Fold each label in half, add some tape adhesive and wrap the flag around the pin head. Since I used different patterned papers for my map, I also punched coordinating circles and adhered those to the backside of each flag- the color on the back acts as a hint to help Brianna figure out the states that might stump her :)

I finished this one up just as my little one was getting home from school and it’s a major hit! She’s been ‘playing’ with it all evening…love that!

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today! Before I sign off…Pop quiz: what’s the capital of Arkansas? Hehehe! Hope you enjoyed today’s DIY and maybe even picked up an idea or two along the way! ~ Kinsey