Map Me

Something I've always loved are antique maps. I bought an antique map of New York City at an antique store out in the country about a year ago and I'd love to re-frame (as one part of it is damaged) it and be able to hang it (it's still in my room back home much to my parents' dismay). It's a nice way to create art in an inexpensive way. You can buy antique maps at antique or print shops or buy new ones and frame them to make them look old. I like to look at them and reminisce back to a time when I was in that place.

From Architectural Digest, Gayle Wells Mandle and James Brayton Hall. Wall paper map on the entire wall! I like how it is stained dark.

Country Living. This is a DIY project; break up a map into several frames.

Katie Ridder. I used to have a map of the world like this from National Geographic when I was a child. Considering my sense of direction, I think I should have looked at it more.

Tocar Design. If you have several small maps you can group them to add interest to this small empty space above the door frame.

This antique map of Connecticut is one of many valuable antique maps from The Philadelphia Print Shop in Chestnut Hill, PA.

I'd love to be able to find some good map wallpaper. Anyone? Bueller?


Alicia B.

Flea Market Sunday

On Sunday, my roommate and I couldn't think of anything we'd rather do in the pouring rain than go to an outdoor flea market all the way in Hell's Kitchen. I love going to flea markets and tag sales. You might not see something amazing but you can always see the potential in it to BE amazing. I always end up with something that I'm going to make into a project (which I can't really talk about because some people might receive them as gifts. Awkward.).

My roommate got this adorable hand mirror. I love the little rose detail on the back. Precious.

Some cute old keys. (PROJECT!)

I did not buy this. I promise you.

Florentine style painted diamond panels. Made in Italy!

A "wee" sewing machine. Hand painted. $ 125.00. ugh.

The awesome jug which, for now I'll use as a vase but later I'd like to turn it into a lamp.

Mini tea kettle.

Wooden panels with little painted scenes. SO cool--but did not buy.

A close up on the panel.

Terracotta painted tile.

Check out this amazing framed map which is currently hanging in our living room! I love framed maps.

I'd love to go back or hit up some other flea markets around the city. Here is the website to the other flea markets around NYC. I can't wait to start transforming my so called junk into something awesome that I'll love!


Alicia B.