Map Frame

What You Do:

1. Help your child remove the glass and backing from the frame.
2. Get your map ready. If this craft is to celebrate a specific destination, help your child select a map that displays the location the best.
3. Have him place the frame face down on the back of the map. Remind him that only a narrow portion of the map will actually show up on the frame. He'll need to play around with positioning the frame on the map to find the perfect spot.
4. Help him use a pencil to trace the inside and outside of the frame onto the map.
5. Have him use scissors to carefully cut the outside penciled lines.
6. Box cutters can be a little dangerous, so take over this step. Use the box cutter to cut the inside penciled lines.
7. Have your child put glue on the front of the frame.
8. Let him place the traced portion of the map onto the front of the frame.
9. Show your child how to use his hands to smooth out the map paper to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
10. Have him put a coat of craft varnish over the entire front of the frame.
11. Set aside the map frame for a few hours.
12. Once the map has completely dried, let your child place the glass, photo and backing into the frame.
13. For a personalized twist, have him use bright markers to highlight the freeways your family took on a recent family road trip, the cities visited, etc.! You can even encourage him to add little messages to the map as well.