Make Your Own Pirate Map

No true Swashbuckler would be caught with out their trusty treasure map. You can make your own authentic looking map in no time at all.

Here's what you need:

-White canvas (in whatever size you want your map to be)

-paint brushes

-5-6 tea bags

-acrylic paint

-black Sumi Ink or a good black journaling marker

Step 1:
Cut your canvas to the size you'd like your map to be. Also cut a smaller sample swatch to test your paints on.

Step 2:

Fill a large sauce pan with water and bring to a boil, then remove from heat and add tea bags. Once the tea has steeped add the canvas, let soak 15 minutes or longer (if needed). Remove the canvas from the tea and rinse in cold water.

 Step 3:

Let the canvas dry completely - you can put it in the dryer if needed but it dries best in the sun. Don't iron it before painting, the wrinkles add to the old look and do not make it any harder to paint.

Step 4:

It's a good idea to draw a rough draft of your map on paper first. Start by using the black ink on the canvas first. The Sumi ink works great and does not run but you have to apply it with a paint brush. I found that my Stampin' Write Journaler maker works great and didn't run. If you have a black or dark brown marker to use try it on your test canvas first. Once all of your outline work is finished it's time to paint. Use a small dollop of acrylic paint with water added to it to give it a more watercolor look as well as make it easier to paint. I tried each color on the test canvas before I added it to my maps. FYI, metallic paint dilutes well and looks awesome.

AAAARG! Here be my map!

I couldn't resist the urge to make a map of Fairyland while I was working...

Your map doesn't need to be this detailed, this would be a great project for the kids too! You could draw a map of your own neighborhood - Pirate style!