Every map tells a story — not just of the continents, countries and cities they depict, but also of the hard work, precision and artistry required in bringing them to life. While industrial machinery contribute to the production of our maps, skillful human touch and precise craftsmanship plays a crucial role in the process.
In this blog post, we take you behind the scenes to explore the journey each wooden map goes through — from raw material to a finished piece designed to become a meaningful part of your space.
From concept to creation
Inspiration — that’s where our maps’ journey begins. Whether it’s a bustling metropolis like Istanbul, or the city of romance, Paris, each map begins with delving into the spirit of the place — capturing its essence to create a design that reflects its unique cultural and architectural heritage.Â
From the winding streets of Barcelona to the landmarks of Rome, painted by history and art, we strive to translate the identity of each location into a timeless piece of decor that tells its story in your home. The story of life, and how it continues to unfold and adapt, regardless of the circumstances.
Once a concept is formed, the initial patterns are sketched out for planning. We ensure that every map is both aesthetically pleasing and technically accurate, while staying true to our design philosophy and preserving the narrative behind our maps.
This thoughtful approach blends technical expertise with cultural awareness, creating a piece that’s not just decor, but a reflection of the place it represents. Once the design is finalized, it moves to production — where art meets craftsmanship.
Sustainable materials, timeless design
The materials we use in our custom maps are just as important as the design. The central piece of each custom map is made from birch plywood, known for its natural elegance, lightness, and durability. For the frame, depending on the scale, we use either ayous or oak wood.
Ayous wood, known for its smooth and lightweight surface, allows us to achieve intricate detailing while maintaining a refined look that suits modern interiors.
Oak wood offers depth and character, with each piece carrying subtle marks of the tree’s long history, giving every product a unique identity.
By choosing natural oils instead of chemically-induced varnish, we ensure the wood retains its organic texture while offering long-lasting protection, enhancing the piece's beauty without compromising on sustainability.
The art of layering colors
Layering is a unique coloring style, one that stays true to traditional wood painting techniques to give the piece a natural and unique look.
Instead of using common brushes, such as a brush that you may find used to paint a canvas, we make use of special painting cloths and dye the piece by hand to ensure that each layer is applied meticulously, allowing the wood to absorb the pigments naturally, creating a seamless connection between the dye and the lines and crevices of the surface. This technique aims to preserve the wood's original texture, giving the surface a sense of depth and vibrancy that is difficult to achieve with a brush.
Layering is a meticulous process that requires utmost patience and expertise to ensure every piece maintains its visual impact, while staying true to the material's natural characteristics.
The finishing touches
The last steps are what sets our custom maps apart — the ability to personalize each piece to the extent of your desires. Upon request, we add custom images and notes to the backplate of the map, transforming it into a meaningful keepsake. This makes our products perfect for celebrating life’s milestones, memories, and personal journeys.
Our frames are available in six colors — light oak, hazelnut, walnut, dark walnut, matte black, and green. Each option is selected to complement the natural wood grain and ensure the finished product harmonizes with your space and personal style.
Precision with passion
While much of our production is facilitated by advanced machinery for precision and consistency, some elements demand the experience of handiwork. Every cut, every layer of paint, and every final adjustment receives our careful attention to ensure the highest standards of quality.
For us, the process isn’t just about manufacturing; it’s about creating pieces that resonate with people on a personal level.
Immortalize your memories with a custom map
At Bluline Studio, our mission is to create decor that adds meaning to your space. From the selection of location to the final assembly, we strive to produce long-lasting products that connect with your experiences, spark ideas and inspire dreams. Each map we create isn’t just a product — it’s a reflection of your memories and experiences, designed with you in mind and etched into the wood to become immortalized, forever.
When you choose one of our custom maps, you’re not just purchasing decor — you’re investing in a piece of craftsmanship that brings together art, architecture, history, and nature in a way that tells your story. Bring your story to life — order your custom map today!
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