A Hand Embroidered Map

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.

About Lauryn Blakesley

A woman out to explore, celebrate, and enjoy everything that my community and living locally has to offer. Blessed with three beautiful children and an incredible husband, our family embraces adventure while dreaming of what is to come. Lover of knitting, running (although mostly after little ones right now), the color orange, fun accessories, fall, tea, and a clean kitchen floor. I spend my days in awe of my family and trying to teach my three to treat others as they would want to be treated.

• View all posts by Lauryn Blakesley →
• Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Google+