,

Hand-Drawn Maps

Every wedding invitation seems to have a map in it, which I think is a great idea. If it’s functional, it’s a printout from Google Maps. Or it’s art, like Laura Hooper’s maps.

laura hooper maps

laura hooper maps

I love them, they’re beautiful. I just can’t afford to commission one, so I’m looking for something in the middle. I’d also like to be able to print it with my Gocco, which is sort of the consolation prize for not hiring Laura Hooper.

So I started sketching. First I did a line drawing of the major roads around the barn and nearby hotel:

hand drawn maps

Then on a new sheet of paper, I traced over that drawing with a calligraphy pen.

hand drawn maps

hand drawn maps

Next I scanned it and tinkered around in Photoshop, adding street names and numbers.

hand drawn maps

I haven’t quite committed to a final version yet, but when I do I will Gocco it onto the inserts in green ink (already printed with the lacy pattern).

gocco invitations

DJ’s mom doesn’t know this yet (Hi, DJ’s mom!) but I’m going to ask her help to finish the project. She and her girlfriends have a stamping club. They spend a day every month or so creating beautiful cards and stationery using stamps, cut paper, ribbon, and embossing powder.


(Source, Source)

I’m going to ask her to help me use aqua ink and these two stamps to put the barn and hotel on the map. So to speak.