MANY people have photographs and paintings of their favourite countryside beauty spots adorning their homes.
But Sheffield metalworker Alison Counsell now offers another option - intricately detailed, contoured stainless steel maps which can be mounted as pictures or ornaments.
Her designs were inspired by her own love of the countryside.
"I've always done lots of walking and love being outdoors," she says. "I've also always loved maps and have collected them. I've got a lot of old maps. I like all the information on them and find them visually interesting."
She produces her Wapenmaps through her company Wapentac.
"Wapentac is an old Norse word for an area of land," explained Hillsborough-based Alison. "So that's how the name came about because I was selecting areas of land for my maps.
"The maps come with a greetings card and envelope and a little stand so you can display them. Quite a few people have framed them, too. For me, the fascination is manipulating flat metal into 3D metal.
"The maps appeal to people as gifts or simply because they love walking in a certain area. Perhaps they've climbed a particular mountain - and the Wapenmap is a nice memento."
So far Alison has produced Wapenmaps of the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia and she is looking at other areas, including Ben Nevis and the Brecon Beacons.
The maps show lakes, rivers, forests and other landmarks and are easy to form by hand.
The gift versions of her maps have evolved from larger designs she has exhibited at art and craft shows and fairs.
"Often the husband is trailing behind, a bit bored with all the pretty things - and they tend to notice the maps" smiles Alison. "They really seem to appeal to men and children. They're fascinated with them. But my customers are a real mix...one woman who's climbed Snowdon four times from different angles was very keen.
"Other people just like maps. I had to get a licence from Ordnance Survey so the Wapenmaps have accurate contours."
Wapenmaps cost £19.95 and are sold online and through gift shops, map suppliers and outdoor shops.
www.wapentac.com or call 07780 568321.
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