DIY Map of Australia Heart Print

I’ve seen a few map silhouettes in frames for sale and have often thought that they were overpriced. So when my Aunt was admiring one online for almost $100 i thought i should have a go at making one. This craft activity is super easy and quick to complete. If you’ve got all your materials on hand it only takes about 10minutes to put together. You’ll need –

1. small map of australia about 12x12cm

2. square frame 20x20cm

3. heart template

4. white cardboard

5. scissors, pencil and double sided tape

Trace an outline of a heart onto the map of Australia using a template and very carefully cut it out.  Cut a square 20cmx20cm from the white cardboard and stick the heart in the centre using double sided tape.  I used good quality card for the backing with a little gold shimmer in it. I’m not really happy with the colour of the map, so i’m going to see if i can find some vintage atlases to make a more colourful option. Overall, a super quick and easy paper craft activity. 🙂

Zentangle Basics

We visited Kinokuniya (twice) during a weekend away in Sydney recently. It is seriously the most amazing bookstore! The kids were in nerd heaven and just quietly….so was i. The kids headed off to find Sailor Moon and The Legend of Zelda graphic novels. I headed off into the craft and decorating sections, while my husband explored the map and natural history area. I confess i went a little overboard and bought myself a healthy armful of beautiful books, but in my defence i could have purchased at least half of the craft section.

This year i’m trying to choose craft projects that i can complete in a week or less. I’m tired of starting elaborate projects only to get bored half way through or just not having the time to finish them. I think ALL crafters can relate to my cupboard full of half finish projects. So, i’m committed to trying out new, simpler crafting activities. One of the books i picked up at Kinokuniya is this book on Zentangle Basics by Suzanne McNeill. On the first page i saw the words “no artistic talent is needed”. SOLD! 🙂

Zentangles are a wonderful form of relaxation. They are simple to do and only require a few basic tools – paper, pencil, eraser and felt tip pen. And given i spend more than a few moments waiting in the car for the kids to finished their variety of afternoon activities, i thought this would be the perfect portable craft. I’m going to try and finish one zentangle a week. Here is this weeks zentangle that i combined with my silhouette art.