Once I realized that the maps clogging my glove compartment were essentially obsolete, I could have recycled them. But what's the fun in that? I decided to weave them into a basket, which initially sounded intimidating. (Let's face it: The only weaving most of us do is in and out of traffic.)

As it turns out, paper is easier to work with than more supple materials, and the basic over-under weave requires less brain power than refolding a map. It does take time—I spent two hours cutting up the maps and folding them into strips and another two doing the actual weaving—but it was soothing and meditative, like a long car ride. I got lost a few times and had to retrace my steps, which was all just part of the journey. The finished piece is both practical and a great conversation starter—a monument to road trips gone by.

Photo: Lori Eanes