Whether you’re a world traveler or an armchair explorer, a DIY Corkboard Map is a stunning, interactive way to visualize your adventures and plan future trips. This easy home décor DIY project combines function and creativity, letting you mark places you’ve visited—or dream of going—with colorful push pins on a map mounted to corkboard.
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
OWLKELA 24″ x 36″ Cork Board Bulletin Board
A durable corkboard with a wooden oak frame—perfect for hanging in your office, bedroom, or hallway. Its spacious surface fits most standard-size world maps.
24×36 World and USA Classic Premier 3D Two Wall Map Set (Folded)
This double map set includes detailed world and USA maps that fit perfectly on your 24×36 corkboard. Beautifully designed with classic colors and 3D topography.
3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive – 7.3 oz.
A strong, fast-drying spray adhesive that securely bonds paper to cork without warping. Ideal for mounting your maps seamlessly.
60 Pieces Multi-Color Flag Travel Map Push Pins (5 Colors)
Colorful flag pins make it easy to track destinations—use one color for places you’ve visited, another for your bucket list.
Fiskars SoftGrip Detail Craft Knife – 8″
This precision knife is perfect for trimming any map edges, cutting around borders, or shaping the paper to the corkboard’s frame.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a DIY Corkboard Map
Step 1: Unfold & Prep Your Map
Gently unfold the world or USA map from the set. Lay it flat under books for a few hours to reduce creases. Decide whether you want one map or both side by side on two corkboards.
Step 2: Trim to Fit (Optional)
Use your Fiskars craft knife to trim the map edges if needed to fit your corkboard’s frame precisely. A ruler can help guide straight lines.
Step 3: Attach the Map with Spray Adhesive
Lay the map facedown and lightly coat the back with 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive. Apply evenly but avoid oversaturating. Align it carefully on the corkboard and press firmly, smoothing from the center outward to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.
Tip: Work in a well-ventilated area when using spray adhesive.
Step 4: Mount or Display
Let the adhesive dry for 10–15 minutes. Then either hang the board using included mounting hardware, or prop it up on a shelf or desk.
Step 5: Add Your Travel Pins
Use the multi-color push pins to mark:
- Countries visited
- Dream destinations
- Places you’ve lived
- Future travel plans
Color-code them however you’d like. The flag-style design adds a charming visual layer to the map.
Creative Ways to Use Your DIY Corkboard Map
- Couples or family adventure tracker: Use different pins for each person!
- Wedding or honeymoon memory board: Mark your romantic travel history.
- Kids’ geography learning tool: Make learning fun and interactive.
- Goal board: Pin postcards or bucket-list photos beside destinations.
- Gift idea: Personalize it and give it to your favorite travel enthusiast.
Pro Tips
- Laminate your map first if you want a long-lasting, wipeable surface.
- Add a legend or key in one corner to explain your color pin codes.
- Combine both world and USA maps for a double-panel display.
OWLKELA 24″ x 36″ Cork Board Bulletin Board
A durable corkboard with a wooden oak frame—perfect for hanging in your office, bedroom, or hallway. Its spacious surface fits most standard-size world maps.
24×36 World and USA Classic Premier 3D Two Wall Map Set (Folded)
This double map set includes detailed world and USA maps that fit perfectly on your 24×36 corkboard. Beautifully designed with classic colors and 3D topography.
3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive – 7.3 oz.
A strong, fast-drying spray adhesive that securely bonds paper to cork without warping. Ideal for mounting your maps seamlessly.
60 Pieces Multi-Color Flag Travel Map Push Pins (5 Colors)
Colorful flag pins make it easy to track destinations—use one color for places you’ve visited, another for your bucket list.
Fiskars SoftGrip Detail Craft Knife – 8″
This precision knife is perfect for trimming any map edges, cutting around borders, or shaping the paper to the corkboard’s frame.
