In the last few weeks we’ve given you the opportunity to win some beautifully illustrated maps and shared with you some of the most beautiful creations using maps, it’s safe to say that we are fairly map-obsessed bunch us Travelettes. So when I saw an old 1998 UK Road Atlas destined for the recycling bin in my parents’ house, it pulled at my heart strings enough for me to swiftly liberate it and get creative.

This map bunting will take minutes to make but can be enjoyed for as long as required. I hung mine above my dressing table opposite my bed as I dreamed and counted down to hitting the road again. It’s a nice way to feel connected.

All you need is some string or wool (I used some left over sky blue yarn), a good multi-purpose adhesive, scissors and your out of date map or road atlas that you’re happy to cut up. Perhaps also have a cup of your favourite tea ready. Now follow these steps;

Flick through the atlas or search the map for some of your favourite places. I loved finding towns that meant something to me; where I was born, where I went to University, where I went on holiday with my girls, where I used to live.

Mark out and cut out your bunting triangles (I measured and cut out a triangle from an old cereal box to use as a guide). I also used pinking scissors to give the zig zag effect, which I think looks a bit more interesting that straight edged scissors.

Place your triangles equi-distant apart and glue to your string or wool. This part could get nice and messy so don’t do on your finest wood dinner table or just after you’ve had a manicure.

After letting it dry, find somewhere to hang your map bunting and begin dreaming about travels past, present and future!

I love the idea of making an ongoing bunting chain with maps of all the places I’ve been, the only problem is I’d like to keep the maps too, in case I return…

frankie-in-ljubljana

This post was written by Frankie Thompson who was a Travelette from 2012 – 2015. Originally from London, UK, Frankie was nomadic for several years before settling in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where she lives with her Australian partner and baby boy. She spends her time buying vintage dresses, riding a rusty old bike around the canals and writing books inspired by her travels. Frankie blogs about travel, writing and motherhood at As the Bird flies blog.