Make An Easy Paper Wreath Using An Old Street Atlas

Hi everyone! It’s Angela from Number Fifty-Three and I am so happy to be back here as a contributor sharing another fun and simple project with you all… how to make an easy paper wreath using an old street atlas. I absolutely love decorating in January. Everything Christmas is all packed up and stored away and my home becomes a clean slate to update and make pretty.

One of my favorite types of crafts to make for my own home are paper wreaths. They add such a graphic, handmade vibe that I totally love. And today, I have something extra special to share…a gorgeous road atlas map wreath! It’s so easy to make that I know you will want to create one, too! The best part is that you can search out atlases that are significant to you and your family. I’m from Massachusetts and I used an atlas of Boston and the surrounding communities. I love to see the names of towns and attractions that I have been to on the folded pages!

Supplies to make a Vintage Paper Map Wreath

Let’s get started! You’ll need: street atlas (I’ve found them at thrift stores and tag sales), paper cutter, corner punch, hot glue, paper clip, scissors, ribbon and 14″ Styrofoam wreath form.

First, remove the pages from the atlas (I used about 60 pages total). Trim the fringe off and cut each page into quarters. Note: before cutting, my pages measured 13 1/4″ x 10″.Accordion fold each quarter page lengthwise. Then, use the corner punch to shape all four corners. Lastly, fold the page in half horizontally.

Steps to make a vintage paper wreath from a map

Using hot glue, attach each folded page onto the wreath form. I only attached the folded pages to the sides and top of the form (there are no pages attached to the back). Also, I placed the folded pages close to each other, but not overlapping and glued them in concentric circles around the form, starting with the outside edge.

To hang, I simply glued a paper clip to the back of the wreath form (be sure to use a lot of glue and wait for it to completely dry before adding a pretty ribbon).

Making a wreath from a vintage paper map

Here’s a close up. I love that you can see the details of the map!

Since I attached the pages in a very systematic manner the wreath came out with a very distinct pattern and unified look. Love that! And how about that turquoise, velvet ribbon with silver stitching? It adds the perfect balance of texture and glamour to the finished wreath.

Thank you so much for having me Jen, and to all of you for taking the time to check out my latest project! I’d love to have you drop by Number Fifty-Three and say hello!