Anniversary Gift DIY

I love giving thoughtful gifts to my husband for our anniversary, but often times I have a hard time coming up with something that isn’t too cheesy. At my sister’s house the other day, I stumbled upon this frame she had made for her husband. Perfect! She said she saw a similar idea on Pinterest and decided to make it herself. I’m going to give you step-by-step instructions of how to do it yourself.

Because of copyright laws, I couldn’t make it a printable for you {darn huh?!} BUT it is super easy and can be done in a word processing program…NO PHOTOSHOP NEEDED!

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SUPPLIES NEEDED:

• Computer with a word processing program (i.e. Microsoft Word)
• Printer
• Paper
• Red Sharpie Fine Point Marker
• Picture Frame

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

• Step 1: Go to the New York Public Library Digital Gallery and in the “Search” bar on the right side of the screen type in what map you would like. I did a United States Map but you could search for an individual state, world map, or a different country.
• Step 2: Scroll through the pages of search results and select a map to your liking.
• Step 3: Right click on the image and save it to your computer.
• Step 4: Open up your word processing program (I am using Microsoft Word). Insert a photo by picking the selected map you saved to your computer.

• Step 5: Once you have your map, you’ll want to resize it to the size you want. I chose to do mine as a 5×7 photo.
• Step 6: {Optional!} I chose to crop the border on my image. You can do this in the photo formatting options. Just make sure your picture is selected and then look for the ‘crop’ option in your tools bar.
• Step 7: Insert word art. You can choose what you write, what color you want the font, and anything else. I just played with mine until I liked the font and thought it looked readable. I also adjusted mine to have the words a little lower on the map because I knew my hearts would be in the center and above.
• Step 8: Once you have it the way you like it, print. Cut it to fit the frame.
• Step 9: Grab a red sharpie and draw in small hearts in the places you’ve lived. {You could also do this as a long distance relationship OR places you’ve traveled.)
• Step 10: Put it in a frame and wrap it up to give to your honey!

Such an easy and thoughtful idea that is sure to make your spouse smile. Like I said before it could be great for long distance relationships, places you’ve traveled together, or an anniversary! The options are endless.