DIY: State Paper Art

I came up with this project from combining a few simple ideas. Lately there has been this wave of popularity for your home state themed items. Frequently in art but also in jewelry and other mediums. If you don't believe me, here are some examples. All of which I can't help but love!

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This last picture is from Young House Love, my new favorite blog! They did a great segment on a local Richmond TV station where they gave several examples of quick and easy last minute Christmas gifts. The two picture frames on the table are state cutouts in pretty scrapbook paper on a solid background. Don't you just love their expressions?

My husband was born in San Diego, California but only lived there for a few years before his parents decided to move back to Virginia. I have lived here my entire life. As far as we're concerned, this is home! We absolutely love living here.  We have a desire to travel the world but Virginia will always be home. So I knew a tribute to Virginia would be a lovely addition to our home.

So for this project I combined the last two ideas and made my own state tribute. I simply Googled a map of Virginia but picked one that had counties outlined so I could pinpoint the area we both lived before moving to Lynchburg. The map I used is here. 

If you want to do this project for your home state and county, do it! It's really fun and easy and I absolutely love mine! 

You'll need:

• Two pieces of scrapbook paper, your choice
• Xacto knife or tiny precision scissors
• Glue and/or tape 
• Rotary mat (if you're using an Xacto knife)

Directions: 

Find a good map of your state. Print it to whatever size you prefer. I just stuck with 8x10 so I could easily print it with regular printer paper. 

Glue the corners your map onto your scrapbook paper. I used a few dabs of hot glue. You could use tape or a simple glue stick. Just don't glue the actual map area onto the scrapbook paper.

If you're using an Xacto knife, lay your rotary mat on a flat surface and place your paper on top. Carefully trace the outlines of the state. This part takes some time. Don't rush because you'll either hurt yourself or mess up and we don't want either of those things to happen!

If you want to cut out a heart, pick your favorite county or city and trace a heart over it and cut it out as well. 

Now just center your state onto the other piece of scrapbook paper and glue it down. I used rubber cement for this...not totally sure why I chose rubber cement over another type of glue. I doubt it makes much of a difference.

Now trim the excess of your scrapbook paper (they normally come in 12"x12" size) and slip it into your frame! 

Mine is living in our guest room above the hermit crab cage. 

The door across the hall goes to our bedroom. It was hard to get a good picture because of the shadows the light was casting. But, you get the idea. 

There you have a beautiful tribute to your home state. These would really be fantastic gifts! People are generally pretty loyal to their home state and county/city. I'll definitely keep this in mind as future gifts for friends and family!

Have you been spellbound by the state art that's been circulating lately? What's your home state and county/city?

Till next time,

Catherine

Check out some of the places I've linked up this post! The bloggers who host these parties are fantastic so go send them some blog love too!

I linked up with Life After Laundry and Sensational Creations for their Less Laundry, More Linking Party #2! 

I've linked up with Fluster Buster and This and That for their Fluster's Creative Muster Party #35!