Travelers tend to make a lot of collages and albums, don’t they? But who could blame them, when they are setting out on a trip that is very likely going to be life-altering. Just seeing an unfamiliar place or meeting new people, experiencing another culture… it all factors in to how you view your life as a whole later on. Like gaining an all new perspective.
Wouldn’t it be great if, instead of just having a photo album you occasionally check out, you could actually have reminders all over your home? Things that are both attractive as decor, and also allow for a bit of nostalgia? What if you could even make those items yourself, satisfying your constant craving for DIY projects?
It might seem a bit specific to look for travel-inspired DIY items. But why don’t we go a step further and also say vintage style? Believe it or not, there are quite a few of these around the web. Mostly collected by the beloved image-sharing site, Pinterest.
Passport Holders
I already have a passport cover that I bought cheaply at a stall outside of an airport in Europe. But when I saw these, I knew without a doubt that I would be making my own to replace it. These are so cute, and probably not all that difficult to make. I have already decided to do mine with a classic travel motif, like a vintage sailor’s map. But you could really do anything you chose, and fly across the world in style.
Globe Lights via DIY Gadgets
Admit it, this is one of the coolest things you have ever seen. Just a simple globe that you could probably buy on eBay or any second hand store. Cut it in half and you immediately have two lamp covers that you can use to spice up your decor. I sent this to a friend of mine who teaches junior high geography/social studies. She is already planning on taking off of her many old, faded globes and doing this for her classroom.
Union Jack Pillow
I love how this could be done with any flag motif, and I have seen it done before. Someone I knew ages ago had a couple she had made from an enormous, ripped Ecuadorian flag that she had found in her aunt’s basement. They were cute, and a fun way to show off where her family was from, connecting her to her roots even though she had grown up in the US.
Postcard Toppers via Dobovo
Planning on sending a postcard or letter while you are on a trip? These adorable little toppers are a great idea to make your correspondence all the more memorable and unique. Plus they can be kept for later. I actually made something like this when I was in school, and I was writing a penpal for a class. It started off a tradition that one of us would create something to send the other with each letter. I still have some of her little ‘toppers’ to this day.
Travel Map
I don’t think there is any reason to buy one of these off of Etsy. It would be very easy to make your own, but I think the idea was worth sharing. Put up a world map and start sticking flags, tacks, or stickers on the places you have been. Maybe have others for places you want to do. For example, you could have green flags for places you have visited, and red ones for dream vacations. Watch the map turn from green to red.
Have you done any DIY projects lately that were travel related? Share them in the comments!
