easy step by step

1. PREP THE SHADE

Take a plain white vinyl window shade and roll it out on a flat worktable. Remove the wood dowel or lattice at the bottom and save it to replace later. Sand the shade lightly with 400-grit sandpaper so the glue will grip. Wipe with a tack rag or soft cloth to be sure the surface is smooth and clean. Prime the vinyl with a gesso canvas primer to give it heft and limit its absorbency. Sand the primed shade lightly, wipe with the soft cloth.

2. GLUE IT UP

Lay the map on the unrolled shade, lining it up evenly, and trim to fit from the top of the roller to the bottom, including a hem to enclose the bottom dowel. Remove it and roll an even coat of Mod Podge on the vinyl shade. (Mod Podge is a waterbased decoupaging product: glue, sealer, and surface finish all in one.) Replace the map and press to adhere, using a squeegee to smooth from center outward. Once adhered, repeat the process with another layer of Mod Podge over the top of the map to seal it. Let dry 20 minutes.

Using a staple gun or hot-glue gun, reattach the wood lattice or dowel at the bottom and turn up shade to make a pocket. The wood stabilizes the shade and prevents it from rolling up too far.

3. READY TO HANG

Trim any excess vinyl from the bottom hem with an X-acto knife. Roll the shade up fully to install it, but then unroll it again and let it hang for a week to let the Mod Podge set completely.