DIY: Handmade Map Magnet from Italy
Are you bored with ordinary souvenirs from travels?
Have you grown tired of ordinary magnets as souvenirs? Well, let me tell you about my recent trip to Turin, Italy, where I had amazing culinary experiences but encountered a surprising problem: finding a cool magnet to take home! Don't worry, dear traveler, because I turned this little obstacle into a fun DIY adventure. I'll share my culinary impressions and creative solution for an unforgettable keepsake.
Culinary Delights of Turin
Turin, oh Turin! This city knows how to please a foodie. From delicious pasta dishes to exquisite pastries, every meal was a feast for the senses. I indulged in rich, creamy risottos, perfectly cooked pasta, and the most delicious gelato. Every bite was a delightful explosion of flavors that left me craving more. Turin's cafes and restaurants provided unforgettable culinary experiences that I highly recommend to any food lover.
The Great Magnet Hunt
And now, here begins the unexpected adventure. Despite the abundance of delicious dishes, finding a charming magnet to commemorate my trip proved to be quite a challenge. I scoured souvenir shops and local markets, but everywhere I looked, I found only bland and uninspiring magnets. Determined, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a personalized magnet that would capture the essence of my journey.
DIY Map Magnet: A Creative Keepsake
To create my own map magnet, I gathered a few simple materials: a map I used while exploring Turin, markers, PVA glue, cardboard, and a regular magnet. The process was straightforward and required minimal artistic skills, making it an ideal project for anyone, regardless of crafting experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Map Magnet
Gather Materials: You'll need a map, markers, PVA glue, cardboard, and a magnet.
Highlight Your Journey: Use markers to mark important points and places you visited on the map. This personalized touch will make your magnet truly unique.
Prepare the Map: Cut out a section of the map that you want to use for the magnet. Make sure it's the right size to fit on the cardboard.
Decorate the Cardboard Edges: Decorate the edges eg with Italian flag colors
Glue the Map: Apply PVA glue to the back of the map and glue it to the cardboard.
Attach the Magnet: Finally, glue the magnet to the back of the cardboard. Let it dry completely before using your new creation.
A Unique Keepsake
This DIY map magnet not only serves as a functional memento but also as a beautiful reminder of my journey through Turin. It's a unique keepsake that reflects my adventures and the special places I visited. What's more, creating it was a fun and creative way to relive my trip and capture those precious memories.
Time for an Adventure
Start your own creative adventure by creating your own magnets from places you visit during your travels. It's an extraordinary way to personalize souvenirs and make them even more meaningful. Start by making a map magnet from your latest trip or family-wedding event. Just grab your markers and glue to begin this adventure. Wishing you successful crafting and may your travels be filled with unique flavors and unforgettable experiences!
Below you can see the magnet I bought and the one I made myself.
It's worth taking a map with you and finding a special place where you have the fondest memories.
I chose the shape of the Piedmont region, which I traced using parchment paper.
Next, I cut out the shape from the paper.
In the next step, I transferred the shape onto cardboard and enlarged it by 5mm.
I placed the new shape onto the chosen spot on the map and outlined it with a marker.
I cut out the shape from the map.
I painted the bottom side of the cardboard shape as well as the edges black.
Then, I painted the edges of the cardboard shape with three colors: red, white, and green - the colors of the Italian flag.
I sanded the bottom side of the cut-out map shape using sandpaper. Maps are often made of glossy paper, which can cause issues when adhering it to the cardboard. Sanding it helps to create a matte surface, which aids in better adhesion.
Next, I used PVA glue to adhere the map to the cardboard.
Additionally, I added a label with the name of the city, "Turin".
To protect the map and ensure its durability, I covered it with a layer of PVA glue. The PVA glue acts as a protective sealant, guarding the paper against potential damage from flames, dust, or moisture.
Furthermore, I placed the date on the back of the magnet to remember the exact day I visited Turin.
The final step is to attach the magnet using hot glue.
