With my love for globes, I have also acquired a love for old maps. These can be so much harder to find than a globe. The minute I walk into an antique store or thrift store, I can always spot that beautiful turquoise map from a mile away. I currently have 2 hanging wall maps, one of the United States and one of Africa.

Since, we have traveled to Uganda several times and we have such a connection to Africa, I have been looking for a good, old African map for YEARS! I finally found it about 6 months ago at an antique store. Score! Isn’t she beautiful?!?!

Every time I see vintage or antique items around my home that I have acquired over the years, I always love to be reminded of where I found it and redeemed it. Some of the items come with a back story and some don’t. I just love to think of all of the stories they could tell. Where has this map been? Was it used in school or somewhere else? I don’t know, it just intrigues me to think of such things. To take this new treasure and weave it into my decor is so fun and inspiring to me.

I have learned a few things about my acquired treasures. I try to use them and transform them shortly after or right when I buy them or sometimes I never get inspired to use or transform them again. Sometimes it will set in a closet or garage for a few months until I think of the perfect place and idea of how to display it. However, I wouldn’t recommend this. Lol!

It used to aggravate me so much when I would call my husband or send him a photo of the most absolute gorgeous treasure I had found (and would possibly never find again) and his first response was ALWAYS, “Where are you going to put it?” Seriously, is that the best response you can give me? It is a very valid question, but come on, that’s not important at the moment. I just want it and want him to “bless” my purchase. In the beginning of my marriage I hated it, but now I really try to ask myself that question when I find a new treasure. “Do I have a place for this?” If I can’t think of a place to display it or use it, I try (sometimes I don’t succeed at this) to leave it be.

All of that being said, I have to say that I didn’t really have a place for my map when I purchased it, but after another purchase (my antique watchmaker’s desk) and a little rearranging, it now has it’s new home in our home office.

My other map that I have is our United States map that was found while I was living in Atlanta, GA. I was in Archer City visiting family and I was shopping at Alley Cat Vintage Mercantile in Wichita Falls. I saw this map hanging while shopping around. I am always afraid to look at the price tag because what if it costs more than I am willing to spend. I looked on the back of the map at the price tag and it was $50. What? Yes, I’ll take this please! I couldn’t get it to the check out soon enough. I was so excited. It was so beautiful, in great shape, and the colors were beautiful!

The photos above are where it hangs in our entry hallway. I just love this map. I not only loves maps for their beautiful colors, but it is a constant reminder of how small we are in this big world. There is a world out there to see and explore with all kinds of people, cultures, and beautiful scenery of God’s precious creations. Don’t let one of his greatest gifts to us go unseen.

Keep redeeming!