Instructions:

1. Enlarge the map provided or use one of your own. See page 112 for a larger map. Cut out the map, don’t forget Alaska and Hawaii! Lay the map on the foam core board and trace around it.
2. Mix instant papier maché. Using a plastic bag or mixing bowl add 32oz. of water to 1lb. of instant papier maché. Mix thoroughly.
3. Spread the papier maché inside the map you traced, smoothing the surface with sculpting tools or large craft stick. The papier maché should be about 1/4” thick or less.
4. Let the papier maché dry until no longer sticky but still soft. Put a piece of plastic wrap over the whole map. Lay the paper map you used as your initial pattern on top of the plastic wrap. Using a pencil trace around all the states and the Great Lakes, use enough pressure so that you can see all the borders of all the states. When you’re finished remove the plastic wrap and let the may dry completely. This may take 1 to 2 days.
5. Paint the states in a random color pattern; try not to have 2 states the same color right next to each other. Let dry.
6. Paint the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico with blue and dark blue.
7. Draw the outline of each state with the black marker.
8. Using the marker, label each state. Note that in the small New England states you will have to label the states out to the side.
9. Write in the names of the Oceans and Great Lakes with black marker.
10. Use a pencil to punch a hole on either side of the foam core, along the top. Run a ribbon or string through the holes and knot in the back to secure.
11. Apply a coat of varnish to entire map. Let dry.
Optional: Punch small stars out of construction paper and glue them on the map to identify each state capital. Write in the name of the capitals next to the stars.