Painted Globe with Transferred Typography

Hey Hey! I’ve got another guest poster for y’all today!! I normally have these on Wednesdays, but in case you didn’t see it, we have a $250 GIVEAWAY that happened that day. You can still enter to win! Enjoy Lori’s Painted Globe with Transferred Typography today! It’s adorable!!

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Hello, Houseologie readers! I’m Lori from Greco Design Company and I’m so happy to be here today sharing my DIY painted globe project with you. First, here’s a little informal introduction: I’m a graphic designer by trade and I love working on logos, branding identities, advertising and all the good stuff related to print and web design. I created a blog at Greco Design Company a few years ago so I could share my passion for all types of design and art including my art prints and paintings, DIY projects, home design tips, recipes, along with a bit of lifestyle posts too to keep it real! I’m loving working on my blog and I especially love when I get to collaborate with other talented bloggers such as Leigh Anne here at Houseologie! Today I’m sharing a tutorial on a painted globe and how to transfer type.

Now on to our fun DIY painted globe project!

This project is super fun but the best thing about it is that it’s something you can do with your kids. And the bonus is that everyone can get a geography lesson while you create! I’m also giving you some tips on how you can add type to your painted globe to make it more personal and meaningful.

Materials for Painted Globe with Transferred Typography:

• Two colors of acrylic paints. I used Liquitex Heavy Body paints and they worked great. I chose Ivory Black and Light Blue. I love the contrast of the two colors! You can get these paints at Michael’s or any art supply store.
• Paint brushes in different thicknesses. You don’t need to get too technical here but just make sure you have a thicker one and maybe 1 or 2 thinner brushes for the smaller areas.
• Spray Acrylic Coating – I use Krylon Low Odor Clear Finish. This isn’t necessary but it will definitely protect the paint better.
• Oil based Sharpie pen. I got 2 different thicknesses only because it was but one get one 50% off. But I think the different sizes will come in handy.

And of course, you need a globe. I got mine on sale at Pier 1 Imports – I love the marble base! You could also find some in antique stores. Be sure your globe doesn’t have a high gloss finish. The paint won’t adhere as well. If you haven’t been lucky enough to find one you can always buy here.

First, use your “land” paint color and paint all the land areas on your globe. I didn’t fuss too much on the details. This certainly won’t be an exact world representation, but get as close as you can. I used Light Blue and it definitely needed another coat. I recommend waiting until after you paint the water color for your additional coats since the black will add a clean edge.

Once all the land is painted, use your second color to paint all the water areas. Paint your second coats and let dry. I went back after the black was dry and added some of the smaller islands right on top of the final coat.

When all your paint is dry, spray the entire globe with your Acrylic Coating. Let dry.

If you want to add type to your painted globe here’s a technique on how best to do it. First, print out your type on your computer using the font and size you choose. Be sure to make the type print as an outline. I chose the word “Explore” but there are so many fun travel, world, and adventure sayings and quotes that would work too. You can also label the different locations on your globe – or locations that are meaningful to you.

Take your print out and trace the outline on the BACK SIDE of the paper. I find taping the paper to a window makes it easier to see through it and trace it.

Then place the paper PENCIL SIDE DOWN (right reading) on your globe where you want it to go (trim it out if needed). Using your pencil, rub the outline of the type on the FRONT SIDE. This will transfer the pencil markings from the BACK SIDE of the paper onto your globe.

The pencil markings will be light but will serve as the perfect guide for the final step.

Next, fill in the type with your oil based Sparpie. I used silver to match the metal on my globe but I love the look of gold too if that works for your globe.

This is such a fun and easy DIY project that you can do with your kids and learn in the process. I hope you enjoyed it. My graphic “explore” globe is definitely an eye-catching element in the room!