Traveling is a great way to change a person’s perspective. While not all of us may bring back tons of store-bought souvenirs, we certainly have random keepsakes. The good news is that you can easily convert these into artsy mementos. Whether it’s luggage tags or stones, each object offers an opportunity to build something that brings back memories.
Map Coasters
Have a ton of maps lying around? Then, turn them into cute coasters for your coffee table! All you need is cut outs of your favorite city or country along with some plain coasters available in craft shops. With a bit of Mod Podge, you can quickly turn these into snapshots of streets and routes you have traveled. This project will not only collect your memories in a practical way, but will also make tea time super fun.
Travel Memory Box
Making a memory box is similar to keeping a physical diary that captures the best parts of your journey. Pick a box you really like and start filling it with tickets, small mementos, and pictures from your trips. Arrange these in layers, one after another. This will allow each one to tell its own tale about an exciting adventure or new finding.
You can make your box look pretty by decorating it with beads or stickers. Another smart idea is to paint it in shades of your preferred holiday spot. This will serve as a perfect visual reminder of your journey.
Sand Jar Art
This project requires you to stack layers of sand from various beaches in a transparent jar. The result will be a beautiful exhibit of all the seaside trips you have enjoyed. You could tag each layer with the beach name and date to create a sequence-based sand story. For a nice touch, consider mixing small shells or pieces of driftwood from the same beaches. This will add an extra touch and charm to every layer.
Postcard Collage Frame
Instead of storing postcards inside a drawer, you can make a collage to show them off. To do this, choose cards that capture the spirit of your trips and arrange them in an attractive order. Once you are done, place your creation inside one big frame.
This collection could also serve as dynamic wall art that grows bigger with each journey. Each time you add more postcards, consider different sizes and orientations to make it visually interesting. You could also frame your collage with a custom border that fits the theme of your adventures. This will not only add an exciting touch but will also spice up your living area.
Travel-Themed Candle Holders
Make the atmosphere in your house lively using customized travel candles. Each one can hold memories, such as small stones or dried flowers from different places you have traveled to. Additionally, you can also stick shells or bits of glass to clear holders. Make sure to use clear adhesive, forming a mosaic style which will shine wonderfully once the candle is lit.
Travel Scrapbook Pages
Scrapbooking can enable you to keep and showcase memories in a creative manner. Begin by picking out pictures, tickets and other flat souvenirs that you really like. Next, paste these onto themed pages that reflect a trip you took.
For backgrounds, consider mixing subtle colors together with different textures. You could also use stickers or write short captions to explain your memory better. By pouring your heart into each page, you can quickly create a lively travel book that calls to you each day.
Destination Pillows
Preserve fabrics you bought during your trips by making a group of destination pillows. Make sure to pick out pieces with vibrant colors or lettering to make your project truly stand out. Additionally, you can also opt for materials that show the cultural spirit of each location.
Some great examples are tartan from Scotland, batik from Indonesia or a Colorado flag design from a thrift store in Canon City. Your custom pillows will not only add a global touch to your home but also provide a link to places you truly adore.
Customized Luggage Tags
If you are someone that loves personalizing, then you should definitely consider making your own luggage tags. Grab strong materials like leather or tough fabric, and adorn them with flags or symbols of famous places from your favorite countries. If you are feeling super crafty, consider preserving real tags in resin.
The best part is that no matter what route you choose, custom tags will always serve a purpose. They are not only perfect for quick identification of your bag on a moving belt but also work as artsy memories of each trip.
Conclusion
Embarking on DIY projects inspired by your travels transforms mere décor into a reflection of your personal style. It not only captures the essence of your vacations in everyday spaces but also ignites a passion for further exploration.