Craft up a storm between world wanders with these simple, travel-inspired DIY projects. Capture old memories or prepare to create new ones, with these travel craft ideas.
Transform your photos
Are you an avid travel photographer? Have you got some really great shots you’d like to share? Create cards and books using your travel photos for a really personal touch.
Slide lampshade
If you have travel slides from your parents or grandparents, these lampshades made are a retro-cool way to have them on display! Before starting your lamp, I recommend getting all the slides professionally digitized and put onto a hard drive for safekeeping. My mum recently did this with her old travel slides, and that got me thinking…
Backyard directional sign
Add some fun to your garden with a custom directional sign that features places you’ve been. I chose this Half-Asleep Chris tutorial because he repurposed an old bookshelf to make his directional sign. As the sustainable travellers we are, it makes sense to upcycle some old fencing, furniture, palette or other scrap timber for the project. The wood will have more character and the project will probably work out cheaper too.
Nail & string map
This is one of my favourite map DIY’s around. Done well, nail and string maps are a really sophisticated looking piece of décor. Again, I encourage you to use repurposed materials for their character and more eco-friendly.
Patchwork map
Create a patchwork map with photos, scrap paper or fabric remnants. If you are a skilled quilter, there is a tutorial for you here too.
Tram scroll
A few years ago these were all the rage in home décor. They are still a beautifully minimalist form of art that can be personalized to include significant locations in your life.
Pretty pendant
Create a pendant for yourself or a loved one that features a place dear to your hearts – maybe a place travelled together. Use a map you’ve brought from your adventures for an extra personal touch.
Sassy vacation hat
By now you’ve probably seen a traveler on Instagram sitting on a tropical beach somewhere wearing one of these smug-but-stylish straw hats. You can buy one on Etsy, or do-it-yourself with these tutorials in contrasting thread or sequins. Use a hat you already own or thrift one for a cheap and sustainable twist.
Stitch your route
Stitch the route of an important journey to create custom wall art of your adventures – follow this tutorial by Martha Stewart.
Map your ancestry
This map heart artwork is perfect for celebrating where you come from or creating a personalised gift for someone else.
Craft a unique pendant
Wear your favourite place close to your heart with this DIY map pendant.
Create some coasters
Handmake a set of drink coasters to keep or gift with this tutorial.
Fashion some fridge magnets
Making fridge magnets is a simple way to upcycle old maps into a practical item.
Get busy with these travel craft ideas and share the results with us in the comments below. We’d love to be inspired by your efforts. You can find more crafty ideas for DIY travel souvenirs in this post.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo