Don’t you love when you go to a flea market or a vintage craft market and you find an object that you immediately get an idea for? Well, you know what I love even more? When I execute on the idea and it actually turns out great! {Enter embroidered map}
In October at the Clover Market in Ardmore, PA, I found a large vintage map that was in perfect condition at a vendor called funetro. My in-laws had just moved to Colorado in August and I thought I could surely come up with something that I could make with this map.
They have lived in Iowa, then Indiana, back to Iowa, Pennsylvania, and now Colorado. And this last move, was fulfilling their dreams. {Love}
So, if you are looking for a really great Valentine’s gift for someone that you love and who has been with you on the journey of life or even a couple that you know that you would love to make something for, here is a beautiful, creative keepsake for their home!
I chose to highlight the places that my mother and father-in-law have lived during their marriage, but you could certainly do the places to which they traveled or even just a single heart around their hometown.
Here is just how easy it is:
Step 1: Buy a map. Like I said, I got one in the fall when I was at a vintage market. But…there are plenty of places to look for these; online, yard sales, grandparent’s houses. You may even have one in your attic.
Step 3: Sketch your plan. With a pencil, lightly draw on the map what the route will be for your stitching.
Step 2: Grab your embroidery thread and a sewing needle.
Step 3: Get sewing. Here is a great tutorial on basic embroidery stitches. I used the back stitch for my project.
The result…a beautiful, meaningful present for someone that you love. I would have framed mine if my in-laws weren’t headed on a plane back to Colorado.

Super cute!
Heather S. recently posted…Join Us for Bull Market Toys’ #RealToys Twitter Party! {Toy Giveaways}
I love this idea! I grew up abroad and my kids always ask me to show me where their grandparents live on a map! What a wonderful way to show where your heart is

Joelle recently posted…Children
That would be a wonderful way to show them! I am sure you have some GREAT stories to tell!
SO creative & unique…what a cool gift!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) recently posted…Chocolate Chip & Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Icing
What a great idea very creative and the bag looks very cute
Thanks!
I really love this. What a one of a kind gift for someone and it will look so great hanging in a home!
Beth recently posted…Up Close and Personal
Thanks Beth! I hope that it reminds them of their journey everyday!
I love it! What a sweet idea and a great use of an old map!
Xandra recently posted…Food Fridays: Healthy Breakfast Simplified
I’m trying to think of how to pull this off for the hubs for V_Day

Carrie recently posted…Soy Hot Cocoa
It would be perfect! You can totally do it!
great idea!
sherry recently posted…Adora Forever Friends 18″ Doll Review
i just picked up an old atlas from the thrift store last week. I have a couple ideas already in my head but love this one too.
melinda recently posted…Keeping Warm And Looking Good #Troop8X #HTC8
This is such a cute idea! My son would love this because he always asking where we {and other family members} live on a map.
Steph recently posted…I got a new phone and so can you! #HTCOneX
Wow! How exciting to see what you did with this map from my shop! I adore it!!!
Thanks Natalie! I loved your shop…can’t wait to get back to the Clover Market to get more!