Each student created an island, shaped like something from his/her chosen theme. Then they proceeded to name their cities and landforms to coincide with the themes. After looking at some antique maps, we thought it important to include sea monsters, mermaids, and sailing vessels in the open areas of the surrounding ocean. Then came the imperative compass rose, scale of miles, title text, and legend. With a fancy border, the task was almost complete.
Students then ripped the edges and made some holes in their maps to age them, and we sprayed them with water to "fade" the features where markers were used as the artistic medium.