Print A Map Onto An Upcycled Pallet For A Unique Photo Frame

$6
2 Hours
Easy
I'm fed up of taking photos on my phone whilst on vacation and then forgetting about them. Recently we went on a special family trip to show my kids my home town of Hong Kong for the first time.

This time I got the photos printed off my phone and created a unique and special frame to hang them from. Not only did I upcycle a pallet for the frame but I printed a vintage street map of Hong Kong onto the frame.
The first thing I did was get a pallet and cut off the top two sections of my frame.
I then sanded this wood.
To print the map onto the pallet. I first got the maps I was going to use and got them printed on a laser printer in a mirror image.


You can either do this at home if you have the right printer or take them to your local copier shop. I took my maps to my local copier shop and it just cost me a small amount of money to get them printed.


If you don't have any maps there are websites listed on my blog where you can download them for free.
Mod Podge is the secret ingredient you need to transfer your maps onto the wood. (Click here to see the Mod Podge I used).
Cut the map to the size of your frame. You will probably have to do this in sections. Cover the pallet wood in Mod Podge and the printed side of the map in Mod Podge too.
Then stick the map face down onto the pallet frame. Continue until you have all the bits covered where you want the map printed.
Leave it to dry thoroughly, preferably overnight. Then with a wet sponge, rub away the paper. The map should now be revealed underneath, printed onto the pallet.
Continue wetting the paper and rubbing until it is all removed. This requires a little bit of elbow grease.


Once all the paper is removed you can apply another layer of Mod Podge to seal and protect the frame.
I simply used bulldog clips held onto the frame with decorative push pins to attach my photos.
Using bulldog clips makes it really easy to change the photos when you fancy something different. I like to change mine up regularly.


I think one of these pallet frames would make a lovely gift you could print a map of someone's hometown for a special personalized gift.
I love to display photos all around my house and this isn't the only photo frame I have upcycled. You should check out my chalkboard Velcro photo frame here.
Claire at Pillarboxblue
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Jea11936389 Jea11936389 on Aug 02, 2017

    You said you laidvthe map face down. Wouldn't that make it print backwards?

  • Joy Joy on Aug 03, 2017

    I noticed what looks like an old suitcase inside your fireplace. Did you do it the same way? I do like the idea..you did a great job!!

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