Thursday, July 12, 2012

98 It's a Pinteresting Map!

It's been much more than a year already since I promised you all a map for the boys bedroom.  If you may recall, last year in MAY we had done a bunch of work on the boy's shared bedroom, and then whomp whomp.... I left you all hanging.  And what friend does that?!  So rude!

We actually did install a large map shortly after that and key that major WHOMP WHOMP sounds once again.... it wasn't good.


I mean, it wasn't thaaaaaat bad.  But I really didn't love it.  And since I think it is important to document my design successes and failures, here ya go!  I found a jumbo sized map on eBay for around $30 so I thought to be able to achieve a full size wall feature for around $50 total {$20 for the wood frame}, was a steal of a deal.  Once I got the map up, I realized that the inexpensive option left me desiring something more.  The colors were wrong and it just felt like I tried too hard and achieved a cheesy end result.  Yet that is the way it stayed for over a year. 

Then, a while back with special thanks to Pinterest,  I came across this awesome sign idea and tutorial done by the adorable Ashley over at The Handmade Home blog. 


I instantly knew it was the perfect solution for the map in the boys bedroom.

Since I can't very well draw, cut or create a map on my own, I snagged one up from Lulukuku decals back in February while I was hosting a giveaway.  Yes, I said February.... sigh.

Nothing like a good Pinterest challenge being hosted by some of my favorite bloggers, Sherry & Katie, to kick my rear in gear!

 
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that I picked up a 4 x 8 foot piece of birch wood from Home Depot on Saturday, and we asked oh so nicely for them to cut it down into planks for us.


We took the wood straight to a family member's workshop and got to staining the planks a pretty dark walnut color.


To stain them, we just plopped them down on some wooden boards being held by saw horses and I walked up and down each side using a foam brush to brush on the stain.

 
Bryan followed behind wiping the stain back off with a soft rag.


Two coats later and we were ready for install.

After removing the previous map, we decided it would be easiest to keep the already there white wooden frame.

Bryan had to give each board a quick cut on one end to ensure it would fit nice and snug into the frame, and attached the wood to the wall with an air nailer.



Halfway there!


The wood was SOOOOO pretty.  I could have kissed it {or did I!?}.  I loved that the room finally had the perfect natural element that it was lacking previously.

All done!


The next step was to install the giant vinyl map.  We started by piecing things together, re-learning some geography, and taping it up where we ultimately wanted it to land.


My gal, Emily, popped over to help install.  She was a vinyl transferring champ!



One continent at a time....


Until it was done!


It was looking good!  But the next step was to give the map a nice light blue ocean and leave the land the pretty earthy walnut.  After a good rub down on all the edges of the vinyl map.... I covered it all in a coat of gray blue paint {Behr's Light French Gray leftover from our laundry room walls} using a small roller.


I cried inside a little bit, painting over the pretty stain... And crossed my fingers BIG time that it wouldn't ruin the entire project....

This was also the point in the project that my sweet little five year old Parker came in and asked where his map went... and got upset with me for making it go away. 

So I quickly started picking away the vinyl pieces {it's best to do it while the paint is still wet}, to reveal the lovely wood again!


We had smiles once again!  Whew! 

Once it was all dry, it was done and gorgeous!


I love the colors.  I love the planks and the worldly natural feel.  I love the simple lines outlining the map.  I love the walnut color.  I. Love. It. All.  And have since been begging the boys to trade rooms with mommy....


The red wire airplane was actually in their room waaay back when, and finally had the perfect backdrop to be re-hung in front of!


Thank you to Ashley from the Handmade Home for inspiring a new idea to get me out of my map rut, and for Sherry & Katie for challenging me to get on it already!



The map combined with the upholstered headboards really gave the room a more finished and cozy feel!  Dreamy eh?

Anyone else make a design oops that turned out to be a winner in the end thanks to some new found inspiration?  What Pinterest inspired projects have you been whipping up?  Spill the stories!

98 comments:

  1. LOVE the way this turned out!! Can you share where you got that adorable airplane?

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    1. Hi Jessica! It came from Pottery Barn Kids a few years back. I asked her the same thing because I want one too!

      ♥ Emily

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  2. Amazing! I've been planning on getting a map for the office/playroom, but now I might have to change my plan. :)

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  3. jen you did it again--beautiful work as always! there is no doubt everyone in the house loves it, what sweet parents you both are to create such a lovely (and awesome!) home for your kiddos.

    well done! :)

    katie@little things bring smiles

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  4. Gorgeous!! I wish my master bedroom looked even half as good as the rooms for your boys!

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  5. Jen...you and I must be totally thinking the EXACT same thing because here is what we did in my son's room about a year and a half ago: http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-boys-closetclose-up-and-organized.html {scroll down to the end of the post}

    See...same map, I think, too! You did a great job! I know how hard it is to hang that large vinyl stuff - it's tough!

    Becky B.
    www.organizingmadefun.com
    Organizing Made Fun

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    1. Becky, can you share where you ladies bought the vinyl continents???

      Vera

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    2. Hi Vera! The vinyl continents came from http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lulukuku

      ♥ Emily

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  6. Thanks for the update! I need to do something similar to this in my classroom with the regions of the United States. I am notorious for messing up vinyl stuff though! :)

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  7. I LOVE this!! What a great idea and it looks beautiful.

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  8. I love this! I love how you follow through and make projects that you LOVE, not settling for what is easy or what turns out the first time. That is something I'm working on!

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  9. I’m not gonna lie, I cringed a little when I saw you painting over the gorgeous blue vinyl world, but you had the vision, it turned out gorgeous! I love the whole room so much!!!

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  10. This room is so amazing! And it was worth the crying over painting over the wood. But - I'd probably do the same thing as you!! ;)

    Sarah
    beyondthegradebook.blogspot.com

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  11. Oh m geeee! Love. It! Like you, I love everything about it. As always, great work, friend!

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  12. LOVE it! Great job, girl! It really makes their space pop! ;}

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  13. I love it! I have wanted to put a may somewhere in my house and that is inspiring! Maybe another colour in my girls' room :)

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  14. You are amazing! I have to admit I was like, WAIT! Why are you painting over it!?? I should never doubt you, everything you do is perfect!! :) It's funny reading the other comments, everyone was thinking the same thing!!
    I have a whole list of pinterest diy's! haha kind of overwhelming myself!! But I am giving my cheapo corkboard a facelift... new fancy frame and a coat of paint! Not quite done though!
    I've tried your approach to getting an area of the house organized and redecorated.. one room at a time, but for some reason pinterest always keeps me wanting to do a little of everything!!

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  15. Shut the front door. I am so blown away. And I have map envy. I seriously want to pop that bad boy in our bonus room. Ahhh! If you here someone sneaking off with it, it's totally not me. The stain of the wood is perfect. Well done, my friend.

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  16. I love it - the wood tone really makes the room. Gorgeous!

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  17. Love love love this! I think I'm going to try it!

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  18. Holy smokes this is awesome! You are so talented, I wish I had half of your creativity! I want to move to our next house so badly so I can start doing semi-permanent things like this to make our house our own!

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  19. perfection! what a great improvement. I am inspired!

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  20. Oh my word this looks SOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!

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  21. It looks great! I just did a vinyl makeover of a map in my son's room, too. I posted it here http://sharethesong.blogspot.com/2012/06/sparrows-new-room.html I am going to go to Home Depot tomorrow to get the moulding to make the frame! I am so excited. I can't wait till it's done!

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  22. WOW! That is all I can say Jen. WOW. It looks amazing! Do you ever sleep!? I don't know how you keep coming up with one amazing project after another! And just when I thought there was no way I could be MORE impressed with you. LOVE IT!!!

    Enjoy your weekend!

    Erin

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  23. Ok maybe I'm gonna be the odd one out here, but I kinda liked it the first way. What you did was REALLY neat and would look amazingly good out in someone's front room or office, but I think the original one was just more "real" and educational as far as for a children's room (longitude, latitude, the different colors, names etc).

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    1. I like the first one too, it has purpose, the second one is for show. Therefore, the first one is better for children's room second one better for study, hall, living room etc

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    2. I agree, too. The new map looks beautiful, but without the markings for the countries it doesn't seem to have much purpose for the boys. Sometimes design isn't everything.

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    3. I agree with you Catherine. The first one was much more colorful and educational. It really doesn't fit the style of a kid room. I appreciate that it was a lot of hard work, though.

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    4. I can see where you all are coming from, however, we were just looking to create an awesome piece of 6 foot art. The kids primarily use their room for reading, sleeping and getting dressed. Learning and playing take place in other areas of the home. We all adore it and that is what matters most!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  24. What an amazing difference! You did a great job!!

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  25. This is really fantastic! I love maps. This is such a beautiful, artistic rendition and it looks great in the room. Love the room, too!

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  26. That looks so nice! Much better than the old map :) I am also in love with the red wire plane. Such a nice pop of color :)

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  27. It looks way more stylish, I hope your little boy likes it. If he misses the information from the first map, maybe you could re-hang it somewhere else, like the playroom? Then he could make a game of learning the countries and using sticky notes on the blank map to guess which one is which!

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  28. Looks awesome!! Now you've got me thinking how I could do this on a smaller scale in my son's airplane themed room.

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  29. Jinx! I definitely had this idea pinned to do in my little fellas room. I was feeling all sorts of ambitious and was going to "paint" it (ala "thats my letter"), but I may chicken out and vinyl "stencil" now. :)

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  30. awesome as always jen! i wonder where do you get all this energy to do difficult things so easily and ends up looking awesome!!

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  31. Jen! I love this!!! It looks like an amazing way to update a wall in ANY Room!!! I bet it would look awsome as a feature wall in my living room with a tree removed and other plant life rather than a map! THANK YOU!!!

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  32. You are a visionary! Who would've thought of that?!

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  33. Oh my gosh, I am obsessed!!! That is gorgeous!!!!

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  34. really cool. but the perfectionist in me wishes Antarctica were on the map.

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  35. Beautiful job!!! I've been wanting to hang a huge map in my boys' room as well, and this might be the kick that I need!!!

    Vera :)

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  36. Wow! Very creative. Looks like it came out of a fancy magazine :)

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  37. I heart this project Jen!!! Gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing the steps to get a project like this done. I recently joined the Summer Pinterest Challenge as well and my Mason Jar project was a whomp whomp too. But I'm still in the process of fixing mine. Here is my project so far from last week: http://www.thedecorscene.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-pinterest-challenge-with-some.html
    But I will be back with how they turned out with a couple of coats of solid color instead. Fingers crossed. But I'm also determined to get my DIY translucent Mason Jars finish the right way. Try, try again. ;)

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  38. Love the whole room and the map just really makes it all pop.

    Bernadette from www.b3hd.blogspot.com

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  39. This is totally gorgeous! Really lovely idea that I will be keeping in the back of my mind for the future for sure.

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  40. I absolutely love this!!! My brain is swirling with ideas!

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  41. Yay! I did almost the same thing for my son's room but with stain instead of vinyl. www.thehappierhomemaker.com/2012/06/diy-wooden-world-map-art.html?m=0

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  42. The map was a cool idea. I would have never thought of that. Great job!

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  43. This looks fantastic! It seems like art was the popular choice for this challenge! I painted a huge 4'x4' canvas for our dining room. I'm definitely saving this for later! So beautiful and easily customized!! Great post! :D

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  44. That's really impressive! The boys will never outgrow it, and they'll never forget the shape of the continents. You are so talented.

    Keep writing...

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  45. WOW!!! MUCH, MUCH better! Totally love the simplicity as well, and the warm brown is just perfect for the room.... I. love.it.too. :)

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  46. What an awesome project! It turned out really great. I love that you went beyond the average (just a standard map) to create something unique and special for your boys. Good work!

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  47. Great Job!!! You have such great ideas!!!I think an awesome post would be in regards to organizing sports gear & organized trips to the baseball fields (what to bring & how to organize it)!

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  48. Wow, that is GREAT Jen! What a super idea! Love it--
    (and my husband and I are SO jealous of your family member's workshop. So. Jealous.--hee hee).

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  49. Just curious, what did you end up doing with the awesome first map???

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  50. It is a gorgeous map, very artistic. But I am wondering, what about Antarctica? Was there a specific reason you chose not to include it? I know it would drive me crzy to be missing a continent!

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  51. The room looks great. Love love love the aeroplane! Will have to keep my eyes out for one for Lexs room

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  52. I'm reading this post, and looking at the Before map and wondering what you're talking about. "This map looks great? what doesn't she like? What in the world (punny) is she going to replace it with that looks better? And then....ooooooooooh, yes!! That looks Ah=Maze=Ing!!! Seriously, so cool. PB would stick a tag for $349 on that bad boy!

    And love seeing you in the pics...and if it's at all possible...I like you even more knowing you've got a mischievous (tatted) side!! xo

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  53. Wow, some people have strong opinions about what belongs in other people's kids' rooms! I was just about to come to your defense (gently and politely of course), until I saw how gracefully you responded. Well done. I know you allow comments knowing that you'll hear from nay-sayers from time to time, but I hope it doesn't bring you down. My mom is an artist, and I have nothing in my home of hers except for a framed oil painting that she did in a class once but cringes every time she sees it, bless her. I'd give anything to have more of a representation of her talent, so I understand how meaningful it is that your boys get to wake up to such a work of art every morning. It is an original "Dad and Mom"! --Anita Y. in Southern California

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  54. Love how you still looked pretty while working!

    It came out great...I REALLY wish you had a girl so I could steal your designs for mine!

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  55. New to your blog but I love what you do... thanks for sharing so much detail too.. the good, the bad, the stupendous! That is how their room turned out. Be a mom and make them trade with you! lol
    Thanks for offering some supergreat ideas! Kathi

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  56. I've seen quite a few of those on Pinterest now, where you paint something, stencil and paint over it, then remove the stencil to reveal the first paint layer. Each one I've seen is beautiful, and this one is no different. I love how something as contemporary-feeling as paint can reveal the earthy woodsy-feel of the dark wood below. Very nicely done. I'd like to do something like that except rather than a stencil, use some large leaves for a tree feel.

    Good job not settling for something you weren't passionate about, and revisiting it to make it something you "heart". Sometimes I struggle with settling for the first go-round because I'm too lazy to go back to it, or resentful it didn't turn out like I wanted it to. You're inspiring.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  57. Looks great!! I haven't checking on my blogs for a while, so have some catching up to do, but this looks truly amazing!! Great start to catching up, good work! :)

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  58. That looks awesome! I was kind of sad at first when you painted over the stained boards but I love the way it turned out! =] I really like the upholstered headboards too. Great job!!

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  59. Welcome to our new blog - chanteu.blogspot.com - fashion, styling, recipes. Hope u like it!

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  60. Hi Jen,

    Your boys room is just so inspiring. My little one is only 7 months old, but I am already planning his big boy room based on much of the inspiration from yours!

    Allison
    http://utterlyorganised.blogspot.com.au/

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  61. Thank you all so much for the kind comments! We are totally digging the new art. In fact, I find myself hanging out in their room, even when they aren't! :) I can't wait to get staining again, the natural wood tone is so lovely! <3

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  62. Wow! Awesome! I wanna try it too :)

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  63. You really are a genius. A certified GENIUS!

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  64. Jen - wow! Lucie and Temple from Lulukuku here. We just got back from a wonderful family vacation to find this AMAZING project using our world map decal. I should have known you'd find a way to take our product and make it even better! Here's a coupon code for your readers in case they want to try this project at home. I think the project would work with any of our decals...

    15% off for IHeartOrganizing readers at www.lulukuku.etsy.com
    Coupon Code: IHEARTORG15

    Thanks so much!
    Lucie and Temple

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  65. Wow. I cried a little inside too when you painted over the vinyl, but it looks FAB. Such a neat idea, definitely going to remember that for something fun in our house!

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  66. Can you tell me where you got that red wire airplane? I'm looking for something like that for my son's room! Love your blog!!!

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    1. Thanks! I found it at Pottery Barn Kids a few years ago. They tend to do a lot of airplane decor and it always goes on clearance before more is introduced.

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  67. I love it! I have to admit though, when I was reading through and looking at the pictures, I thought, "Ooh, I'm not sure I like the vinyl on the wood, you can hardly see it!" Then I kept reading and realized what you were doing and how dumb I was to think you'd put navy vinyl on dark wood and leave it. :) It really looks awesome, even though it's no longer "educational" -- heaven forbid. (Although I'm not exactly sure how the first one was educational, unless you routinely encourage your children to stand on their bed to do some learnin'.) ;-) Anyways, the art looks fab.

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  68. Now THAT is an awesome project for the Pinterest challenge!!

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  69. I.LOVE.it! And I love that someone else has to "redo" every once in a while, too! :-) It looks great & I'm thinking I may have to try something like this on a smaller scale with pumpkins or leaves or something for the fall mantle.... We'll see.

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  70. It looks fantastic. I can see why you'd be a little afraid of the whole process, but sometimes you have to take the leap of faith for things to turn out great!

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  71. Overall good idea, but I think the map is too small for that frame. I understand that the frame was already there, but there is more grey than the lovely stained wood so it doesn't look like a balanced piece of art to me. I'm all about negative space,but it shouldbebalanced, not empty. Nice effort and execution though.

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    1. Interesting comment. Doesn't seem like Jen asked for your opinion though?!

      Looks great Jen!!! Lovin your blog, I am a new reader. :)
      - jenny

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  72. Really like the end product and I'm impressed with the effort you and you hubs put into this. But as an Alaskan I couldn't help but notice how wonky my state turned out. I'm sure it's the decal and nothing you guys did, just always bigs me when my state isn't represented correctly :)
    Keep on with the great projects you're very inspiring!

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    1. Sorry about that Theresa. We purchased the vinyl decal and transferred it as is. Must have been the way it was originally cut.

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  73. Although I love the final product, for a kids room, I actually prefer the first map. The colors are great and it's just more "kid friendly". I love the process you did and think maybe that same process on another project in another room. Just my opinion.

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    1. I can see where you are coming from, however, we were just looking to create an awesome piece of 6 foot art. The kids primarily use their room for reading, sleeping and getting dressed. Learning and playing take place in other areas of the home. We all adore it and that is what matters most! It looks even better in person, I still want to hug it daily!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  74. Where/ how did you make the vinyl transfer? Thank you much! Looking to do something similar!

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  75. Awesome job!!! I love the colors you chose, too!

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  76. What a beautiful job! It really makes the room!
    -Shelley

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  77. Wow . . .I just love it, every bit. Thanks for linking up!

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