Getting Crafty with Maps!

I don't consider myself to artistic, but I do consider myself to be creative and crafty (and clever, if I don't say so myself.)  So lately I've been getting crafty with old maps that I found while cleaning out the van. These maps had been in the side door pocket since my grandparents owned the van.  One of the maps was a 1985 map of Ohio, so I didn't really feel bad using them.  But let me back up a minute.  This all started because I wanted to make a thank you gift for the secretary at my school who has 4 sons living in 3 different states.  She is close to her children even though they are now grown and scattered all over the country.  After some thought, I came up with this idea:

 

First I had to borrow a road atlas to cut the states.  (Thanks, Sarah!)  I painted a canvas and then mod podged the three states in which her sons live.  Then on the hearts I wrote "Far apart, but close in heart."  This was so fun that it got me thinking of other things I could make (and it made me start looking for other maps!) 

 

This is a gift for my cousin.  I cut out the states from which she and her husband were born, as well as the state they met, and now the state that they live in and have had their children in.  I added "He" "She"  "Us" and "We" respectively.

And finally, I've gone a little crazy and made a ton of bookmarks from maps!  I had fun coming up with clever sayings that relate reading to taking a trip.  These are just a sample:

 

It has been so fun to be creative and I can't wait to make more.  I have a few other ideas swimming around in my head.  I'll make custom orders if people are interested!  :)  I'm loving the summer and the fact that I have time and energy to make things again!  And I love making them for others.  Hopefully this will inspire others to get crafty as well!