Not to make our National Geographic fans/collectors cringe .... I am in the process of finishing off our attic to turn it into a library for my husband, anyway - he traveled/travels the world so I have collected some wonderful items over the past year or so and now - we are getting close to the decorating of the space. Wall paper is quite expensive! I have been known to do some pretty crazy things to the house - all very tastefully of course. So I recently bought on Ebay a LOT over 100 maps which will become my "wallpaper" for the beautiful stairway to the attic library. I have used old maps in the past for projects.

Here is the method

This can be a tedious and time consuming process, well worth the effort and makes the neighbors talk. This is an out door project. First, tear up these maps into irregular pieces, crinkle them up into balls. Make a gallon or so of STRONG tea. Keeping an eye on the maps, soak the balls, opening them slightly and then eventually all the way in the tea, when the antique "color" you like is achieved, dry on a flat surface. These items can then be applied to the wall. I apply a very good sizing agent to the wall first. "Paint" wallpaper paste on the wall, working in 2'X2' sections, apply paste to the back of the uncrinkled paper, using a stiff wallpaper brush, apply paper to wall. There will be crinkling on the wall which adds to the texture and effect. After everything is dry, apply a coat of antiquing glazing over the top. This can be a "busy" wall effect, so make sure you decide how many walls you want to do. I will post pictures as I complete this project - It may be some time in June or July. Me weekend warrior!  Anyway hope you like this idea, hope you will share some of yours!