Decorations, wrapping paper, placemats, bookmarks, and book-covers, wall-paper, shelf-liners, gift paper, stationery, arts and crafts items and more — What do these all have in common?

They are usually paper, and they are handy, helpful, household items. But what else do they have in common? Look closely and think about it. You probably won’t guess. In some houses, all of these items are one and the same. How is this possible? Some might think it is an artsy thing; while others might say, impossible, but in one home, all of these items are from one main source. What is the source?

Maps! Yes, maps.

1. Traveling — Most people use maps when traveling and when they are done they discard the maps. In this case, the map becomes landfill instead of being used again and having another purpose. Use these maps for any of the purposes listed above.
2. Decorating — Use the maps as wall-coverings. Post up maps of your most favorite places. Get maps as souvenirs when you are having vacations and these maps are dual purpose. They are reminders of a great vacation but they are also wall-coverings for your home. You can even have them laminated at the local office supply store.
3. Household Uses — Use old maps as paper placemats for the children. Use them in your boot tray to sop up extra water and dirt at your door.
4. School — Use old maps as book covers. Again- dual purpose. The maps are educational and they are pretty but also functional. You can go to old bookstores that sell used books and find maps for under one dollar.
5. Shelf-liners — Some of the most interesting maps would look great on the shelves in your kitchen or in other closets.
6. Gift-wrapping paper– For holidays or birthdays, these old maps look great for wrapping paper.
7. Play time– For arts and crafts, fingerpainting and other activities for children, use old maps. The size is great to spread out on the floor. And at the same time, you can give children a lesson on geography, maps or on traveling.
8. Stationery — This is great stationery. Write hand-written notes (with permanent markers) and send them off to friends. You can use maps to make your own home-made invitations or thank you cards.

These are just some of the ways that you can use maps (that you would ordinarily discard). You can think up your own ways. Everywhere, almost everywhere that you use paper items, you probably can use old maps or recycled maps in your home or apartment.

The author of this article has had many works published in the USA. She has traveled extensively throughout the East Coast and through the South while observing people and writing about life and everything that is in it. She invites you to connect with her at her website. Contact her through ezine, or reach her through towriteus@yahoo.com