Wooden USA Map and Pins

I wanted to create a piece where I could document all the places I’ve been and want to go in the US. My idea was to create a wooden map of the country and various pins that could be used to mark locations I’ve been/want to go. This project would be perfect as a gift for any traveler with wanderlust, or for anyone with some experience using the Glowforge (or other laser cutting equipment).

• Adobe Illustrator: I designed my map and map pins on this. I recommend using at least two separate files (map & pins) so it’s easier to work with. If you’re making a map of another location, using a reference for accuracy would be helpful. The map pins can be customized according to location and what you want to include.
• Glowforge (or other laser cutting equipment): Since I’m making the entire map (+pinpoints) out of wood, the Glowforge would be the perfect tool to laser cut and engrave the map onto a sheet of wood. The Glowforge app can be connected to the machine, so you could transfer the print ready files from Adobe Illustrator to the app and print from there.
• Wood: This is the material I’m printing my map and pinpoints onto. I plan on using maple wood for the map and walnut for the pins so there’s a nice contrast. The colors can be adjusted, but picking colors with clear differences would be best.
• Acrylic Paint: I chose to paint my map different cool colors, so having a variety of colors to choose from would make the map more interesting. You could paint around the engraved state abbreviations or take black paint and paint over it so it’s visible.
• Paintbrushes: Use a variety of big, flat brushes and small ones for edges and details.
• Cardstock: I’m going to be printing the destination landmarks onto cardstock so all the colors will come through. Cardstock is thicker than paper, so it’ll be easier to stick onto the wood.
• Superglue: To stick on the pin backings to the pins and the landmark print outs onto the wood.
• Pin backings: These can be attached onto the back of the pins so they can be functional. I have 30 pins, so getting a pack of 35-40 would be best. This will vary depending on the number of pins you have.
• Wood/paint sealant: To protect the paint on the map and the pins.

Optional:

• Nails: These can be used to attach the map onto the wall.
• Drill: Used to attach the map onto the mall.
• Twine: If you want to hang the map, use strong twine (or other string) to hang the map from a nail.

I chose to make a map of the USA, but your map can be anywhere. Choose a place and find images of maps of the area. If it doesn’t have everything you need (details, bodies of water, specific landmarks, etc.) then make your own via paper or Illustrator. 

I made mine on paper then uploaded it to Illustrator to use as a guide.

Using the pen, shape/line, and curvature tools, design your own pins to go with the map’s location. I chose to make 20 destination pinpoints, 4 flowers to represent national parks or hiking trails, and 6 landmark pins for famous places in the US. Have a variety of pins that you can use to track where you’ve been and where you want to go. 

The landmark pins are in color since they’ll be printed onto cardstock. Every other pin is in red and black since they will be laser cut/engraved on the Glowforge. I use red to represent where the machine will cut and black for where it will engrave. Make sure to keep the lines on the thicker side so the Glowforge will pick them up.

Using the guide you made, create an outline of the location using the pen tool. I chose to make each individual state in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii. I recommend creating two different versions of the map: one in black/red for the Glowforge and one that shows how you want it to look in the end.

I will paint the map various colors after it’s cut, so I created a separate, non-print file for my own reference.

I split up my map into three pieces: the lower 48 states, Alaska and Hawaii, and the title of my map, “The Adventures of America”. These will be printed as three separate pieces, so if you plan on mounting them to the wall be mindful of what you’ll need for each piece.

Add any text like state abbreviations, country and street names, titles, etc. to customize.

Save your print ready files on Illustrator and have them ready for the Glowforge.

Attach your print ready Adobe Illustrator files onto the Glowforge app and make sure everything is set up correctly. Run a test print on one area of the map to make sure it’s running smoothly. 

After checking, print your files!

If you plan on painting any parts of the project, it’s time to break out the paint! Use acrylic paint to add color to your project. Go over any text or engraved areas with black to make it bolder. I used one color of paint on pins that would mark where I’ve been and another color to mark where I want to go. After painting, use a wood or paint sealant to protect the paint from chipping.

Use superglue to attach the landmark pins made of cardstock onto the wooden cutouts. Afterwards, attach the pin backings onto all the pins with superglue. Let it dry for 4-6 hours.

I will be hanging it from the wall, so I plan on using strong twine that will be hung onto a nail. If you choose to mount it, use a drill and nails to attach it to the wall.

Now you have your finished map and pins! I started using the pins to mark places I’ve been and want to go, as well as landmarks.

Enjoy your finished map!