Several years ago, I found a bunch of yachting maps at a thrift store. I snatched them up and have used them as the base of a fun whimsical lamp shades. I like to put a phrase on the lamp with magazine font letters. This lamp says “We are all islands in the big blue sea”, it was really fun to make!
I got the lamp shade at a garage sale, and the print outs are various clip art images I have purchased through the years. Clip art really adds a dimension to the whimsy!
Cover the lamp shade with the map. I find that it works better to put the paper on the “bias” and not straight because it lies flat on the angle. Notice the raw edges, they will need to be covered. Washi tape works in 3 inch pieces, overlapping the design. I used some leftover tape from a kit I got years ago.
You can make your version using heavy gift wrap if you don’t have a yacht map. Any theme is fun! Use clip art and magazine font alphabet letters to make it truly OOAK!
The new lamp found a home this morning at Pacific Crest Cottage. I had to deliver a new “Ventura Beach” custom birthday crown to shop owner Joy. She fell in love with the lamp! 
A “Ventura Beach” crown DIY post is coming soon. It was made with beach glass bowl filler from Pier One Imports.
Here are more yacht map lamp ideas:
One thought