LET'S CREATE SOMETHING is a personal project series of mine where I create do-it-yourself (DIY) crafts every month. In this first craft, I created the world map using cork with LED lights that synchronize with music.
MATERIALS
World Map Outline
Cork Sheet
Scissors
Precision knife
Marker
Pen
Double-sided tape
Music Strip Lights
STEP 1 | PRINT AND ASSEMBLE
Download the condensed map outline and print. The outline I did is for a 2x3ft size world map, if you wish to have a bigger size, dm me through my Instagram @desoncunado and I'll prepare it for you.
There are 8 pages to be assembled, I condensed the map to save space and paper.
STEP 2 | CUT AND TRACE
Cut the assembled outline and trace them to the cork sheet. You can rearrange the outline depends on how you want to save space of the cork. You can use the spare cork later.
STEP 3 | CUT THE CORK
Cut the traced map using a precision knife. You can leave some small spaces or combine the islands by not cutting the gap in-between. Take note that it doesn't need to be 100% geographical so don't stress yourself.
STEP 4 | COUNTRIES OUTLINE
This is optional, map is good with or without outlines.
Use the outline again and plot it to the map, make a hole per intersection (refer to the red dots of the image shown above) of the red outlines by pushing your pen with force. Use the holes to make dots as many as you want. Make sure that there are enough dots on the cork map and then use it as your guide to connect the lines.
The cork map is done and ready to install to your wall by using Sticky Tack or double-sided tape. But if you want to add light to it, keep on reading.
STEP 5 | BRING THE LIGHT
This is really cool and amazing. Now get a second 2x3FT board or another cork sheet but darker, it will serve as the base. Trace the cork to have a guide for the strip lights. Follow the guide shown in the image above, the white outline is for the strip lights. I used the DUMA MUSIC STRIP LIGHTS RGB 5M for this project.
By the way, I found it difficult to add the light for Australia but if you can find a way to do it then it will be great. The 5-meter strip light is good enough for a 2x3ft map size.
Use the spare cork sheets as a support for the strip light. Double the thickness by combining 2 spare cork sheets. The brown shapes shown above are the spare cork sheets and you can make whatever shapes you want as long as it can hold or support the strip lights.
Finally, attach the cork map, use durable double-sided tapes or sticky tack to stick them firmly.
The Music Strip Light has the option of using any sound or music to sync with the lights. It is a perfect way to make something for your room. You can pin your photos or flag pins.
Thank you for reading, I post "Let's Create Something" art series every month. If you want to check the previous project which is the DIY PH Cork Map + QR polaroids, read here.
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