If you haven’t realized already, I kinda have a thing for globes. Last year, I made this upcycled globe for our nursery and since then my mom has been on the hunt for globes whenever she heads to the thrift store. I also made a Christmas one for my mom a couple months ago (but didn’t actually get any pictures taken of it so you will have to wait until next year to see that one).

The first one I made took over 5 hours to paint so I’ve been searching for easier ways to upcycle these globes ever since. I immediately thought about using vinyl and spray paint for this globe; while the paint time was significantly less, I’m not sure if it was technically any easier.

Upcycled Painted Globe – Adventure Awaits

To create the continents, I used a simplified map svg and cut out the continents individually. For the sizing, I measured the height/width of the continents on globe and then sized them appropriately in Silhouette Studio. I then cut the vinyl out of 631 because I wanted it to adhere nicely, but also be removable.

Once the continents were set, it was time to paint the first layer of the globe. I wanted the continents to be gold so I gave the globe a nice gold layer.

Now for the part where I’m not so sure that I saved any time – getting the continents onto the globe. Going from something flat and making them lay nicely on a round surface is never easy. I had the mountains from the globe to use as a guide for aligning the continents. It was also a lot easier to apply them by hand as opposed to using transfer paper.

Once the continents were on, I sprayed the entire globe in a couple coats of teal and then removed the vinyl when it dried.

Across the Pacific Ocean, I added “Adventure Awaits” in hot pink. I would recommend putting then words on one at a time (which goes back to the whole flat object onto round surface issue).

I do love how crisp the continents turned out with this method of painting. I had a little bit of leakage; however, that could always be touched up.

I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite bloggers to show off other upcycled projects. This Refresh Challenge was so much fun, make sure to check out all the other items that have been updated!

Farmhouse Kitchen Canister DIY – Houseful of Handmade

DIY Bar Tray – Two Purple Couches

Rachel Teodoro – Making a New Crate Look Vintage + Using a Stencil Made from Vinyl

My Life from Home – Farmhouse Glass Kitchen Sign

Kock it off Kim – Pantry Refresh and Organization

Michelle James Designs – Cool Clock Update

Simply {Darr}ling – Upcycled Painted Globe: Adventure Awaits

Pocketful of Posies – DIY Dry Erase Calendar

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