City Map Souvenir Jewelry How-to
I’m sure I’m not the first to think of this. And if you searched the streets of Manhattan, visiting every cutesy boutique you saw (ooh–wouldn’t that be fun?), I’m sure you could find something similar to this. But the question is: would it be $3 or less? And would you have that sense of bliss that only comes from creating something yourself? The answer, of course, is no, friends.So, if you’re the sentimental type who likes to gather memoirs from the different places you’ve been, you might just like this City Map Souvenir Jewelry I made the other day.
I used my simple & reliable Mod Podge method, just like I did on my Silhouette Jewelry. For the necklace, I went to Hobby Lobby & bought a rectangle pendant, a ball chain necklace, & an apple charm. {Watch for the jewelry findings to be on 50% off & get these items for less than $3!}
I had saved my city map from my recent trip to New York & cut a little section to fit my pendant.
I also made a little I ♥ N.Y. sign & punched out a little star from decorative paper for a little extra something.
Then, I just “painted” on a few thin coats of the Mod Podge, letting it dry in between. Adding on the apple charm gave it even more dimension. 
The bracelet was a little more messy, but still pretty simple. I bought these large 1-inch wooden beads (also from HL) and a package of thin sewing elastic for this piece.
Using the same map, I cut more pieces (approximately 2″x3″), big enough to cover each bead. Cutting diagonal lines from the outer edges toward the center makes it easier to cover a round object, such as the bead.
After I made the cuts, I painted a coat of the Mod Podge onto the back of the paper, then wrapped it around the bead.
I found it helps to roll the bead around on the table with the palm of your hand to make the paper adhere well. 
Once the bead is fully covered, apply another coat of Mod Podge over the outside. Yeah, this is the messy part. When that’s done, allow it to dry on a sheet of wax paper.
Since I used the 1-inch beads, it took 9 beads to make an average size bracelet. {Fashion FYI: This does make a large piece of jewelry, so if you prefer a little less “Wilma Flintstone” look, you may want to use smaller beads.} Also, I covered 3 of my beads in a polka-dot scrapbook paper to add a little contrast.When the beads are dry, use something sharp to poke the holes back thru the paper & then string them onto your elastic.
To finish it off, tie a secure knot, cut the ends short, & poke the knot into the hole of one of the beads.
Who says you have to buy your souvenirs while you’re on your trip? If you don’t find it while you’re there, just make it when you get home. And think of all the other things you can make with city maps, ticket stubs, or even playbills! Your wheels are turnin’ now, aren’t they?And if you forgot to bring your map home with you, just google & print one. Ahhh-don’t we love the internet? Speaking of which, I’ll be sharing this project with a few of these sites across the web. Check them out!
July 28, 2011 @ 11:24 pm
OMG!!! SOOOOOOOOOO cute!!!!!!!! I can't wait to turn my Paris Metro maps into jewelry! What a great idea!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for posting!!!
July 28, 2011 @ 11:48 pm
Darling ideas! I LOVE that little rectangle neck and the little apple adds a lot~ SOOO cute! xo Diana
July 29, 2011 @ 12:21 am
i love this! i always want a souvenir to remember trips by but HATE cheesy stuff and HATE spending a ton of money. this is a way to make it special, memorable and afforable without being super cornball.
July 29, 2011 @ 2:39 pm
I love maps of every size and shape! What a clever idea. We're getting Hobby Lobby's in California soon and I'm looking forward to it!
Cheers!,
Barbara
July 29, 2011 @ 4:36 pm
What an adorable bracelet! Thanks for sharing!
Coley
July 29, 2011 @ 5:20 pm
I love this. I'm going to do one of my city!
July 30, 2011 @ 2:10 am
That bracelet is awesome! I love the contrast of the black and white polka dots with the map! I am totally doing this after our next trip!
July 30, 2011 @ 2:38 am
Love this! Our last vacation I bought beads at a gift shop and made my own bracelet to remember my trip by!
July 30, 2011 @ 3:00 am
Cute! I just might have to try something like this. I've been looking for yellow beads everywhere-maybe this is what I need to do!
July 30, 2011 @ 6:28 am
very creative and thanks for a tutorial for other bracelets!
July 30, 2011 @ 1:43 pm
I love this! I have a soft spot for big jewelry and yet I never wear any. But I just might have to make this one. Found you at Tatertots and Jello. Come by and check us out. We're doing a giveaway.
Eve
Bumblebliss.blogspot.com
July 30, 2011 @ 3:48 pm
Definitely a new twist on maps! I love it! Would love to have you link to my party this weekend too! http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/07/vip-party-21.html
July 31, 2011 @ 8:41 pm
Love these ideas! The bracelet is so fun 🙂 Thanks for sharing…I wonder if I still have a map of Dublin…hmm.
July 31, 2011 @ 11:58 pm
I LOVE the bracelet! I'm a perpetual map from vacation saver, but never know what to do with them when I get home. I will definitely try this!
August 1, 2011 @ 3:31 am
Cute idea! Love it!
August 1, 2011 @ 8:47 pm
these are such cute ideas! I really love the bracelet! Thanks for the inspiration!
September 6, 2011 @ 5:35 pm
fantastic idea! <3
December 31, 2011 @ 5:04 pm
Oh, thanks for these tutorials! I love having little reminders and souvenirs of places I've been!
May 30, 2012 @ 12:13 am
Thank you for the pendant tutorial. Really cute idea.
June 1, 2012 @ 3:01 am
Beautiful travel souvenirs! Fantastic post!
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)