The best way to Celebrate the ones you love with a thankful map

What a year it has been. How many times have to hear that already? Because of how this year has shown us what truly matters I felt compelled to make a decoration that honors and celebrated the ones I love. This DIY is cheap and so simple anyone can make it! I’m calling it a thankful map. A visual reminder of those we hold dear.

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How to celebrate the ones you love.

This is one of the easiest crafts I have made but I feel like it may be the most meaningful one as well. You may already have most of the items you need to make this around your house.

Keep in mind that you can put ANYONE you care for and love on this map. That includes family members, friends, co-workers, school teachers, church members, and even celebrities. Just see who your heart chooses! Sappy, why yes…yes I am.

Items you will need to create your Thankful map.

1. A map – I purchased two maps from Amazon. The first one I liked the best but it was too small. I will link them both in case you don’t have as much wall space as I do.
2. Something to “mark” the spot: There are a ton of things that you could use. I choose to use these wooden hearts. I also really liked these little cubes.
3. Magnets: I love how easy it is to attach and move the markers around with a magnet attached. If you don’t want to mark up your wall with a bunch of pinholes I would strongly suggest using the magnets.                       
4. A fine point sharpie or vinyl letter: Whatever you decide to use as a marker you are going to want to make it with an initial. The hearts that I’ve linked above needed a little TLC when writing on them. I tried using a regular sharpie and oil-based paint pens which bled like crazy! The ONLY pen that worked was a fine point sharpie. If you are lucky enough to have a vinyl cutting machine or a friend who has one you can opt for vinyl letters like I did.                                         
5. Glue: Now I used Gorilla glue contact adhesive. I like how well it holds the magnets in place. But if you have another adhesive that you think will work by all means use that.

How to assemble your Thankful map.

The first thing you need to decide is what you want your map to display. What do I mean by that you say? Choose a theme like where everyone was born, where they currently live, or where they are from. For my map, I choose to do where everyone was born.

This little craft could not be easier to assemble. Place your loved ones initial on one side of the marker. If you’re like me then you might have family and friends that are all born in the same cities. I put the letter “F” for family and friends.

Glue the magnets on the back of each marker and let your glue set up. I let mine sit for 48 hours.

Then affix the magnets onto the map with another little magnet.

That’s it, a wonderful way to display a map of where are your loved ones are from, born, or live. I would LOVE to have you send me pictures of this if you make it. I will gladly put them up here on this page and my social media channels.

     

Cheers!