It can be hard to find the perfect gift for the traveller in your life, especially when it’s mid-December and you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet. While online shopping has its appeal, there is more than one way to conquer your gift list from the comfort of your pajamas. Why not give DIY a try? You probably have Pinterest boards full of projects you’ve yet to attempt, but you’ve seen enough Pinterest fails to know better.
And, if you’re like us, you’ve come home from trips with an assortment of accidental souvenirs — maps, photos, subway schedules, ticket stubs, loose change you can’t spend without an overseas flight. Instead of tossing them or sticking them in that box of memories collecting dust on the top shelf of your closet, why not create simple, beautiful (and usable) gifts that are perfect for anyone who’s been bitten by the travel bug.
These gifts are a great way to share the love — but, be warned, you may not want to part with them once they are finished.
Picture perfect Instagram coasters
Supplies:
- 4 – 4×4 tiles (available at hardware and home improvement stores; quality varies — the ones used for this project were $.16 cents each)
- 4 – Instagram pictures printed on photo paper (Order as 4×4 square prints or cut to size)
- Mod Podge® (matte finish)
- Matte finish acrylic sealer spray
- 24 – felt pads (used to protect floor from furniture scratches)
- Foam brushes
Steps:
Start with clean tiles. Wipe down with a wet cloth, but make sure they are dry before you begin.
Spread a layer of Mod Podge on tile with foam brush and place photo in the centre. Because Mod Podge takes a while to dry, you can easily reposition the photo as needed.
Let dry for approximately 45 minutes.
Use foam brush to apply a coat of Mod Podge over entire image and sides of tile. Don’t be concerned that there will be a white layer over picture, it will dry clear.
Let dry for approximately 45 minutes.
Add another coat of Mod Podge; let dry for 45 minutes; add one final coat of Mod Podge (3 coats total).
Set project aside for 2 days to let Mod Podge fully dry.
Take coasters outside and spray one coat of the matte sealer to waterproof coasters (do not spray inside).
Set aside for 2 days to allow sealer to fully dry.
Affix 4 felt circles to the bottom of each tile. (A cheaper alternative is felt, which can be cut to the tile size and affixed with crazy glue.)
Tip: As a fun alternative, be creative and use maps, travel guides and any other memories that can be cut to a 4×4 size.
DIY souvenir magnets
Supplies:
- Travel maps
- Mod Podge® or clear glue
- Coins
- Flat glass marbles (available at any craft store)
- Small, round magnets
- pencil
- scissors
Steps:
Affix magnets to the back of coins (various sizes and shapes work well).
Trace flat glass marble on desired area of map.
Cut out circle (cut a bit smaller than the traced area. Don’t worry if circle is more of a lopsided oval.)
Put a dot of glue or thin layer of Mod Podge on flat side of marble.
Affix picture to it.
Let dry for 45 minutes.
Affix magnet to the back; use glue if needed.
Tip: Cluster map magnets with coin magnets for a fun (and functional) refrigerator decoration. Get creative and use subway schedules, ticket stubs, photographs, etc. — the perfect way to commemorate an overseas vacation. If you give these map and coin magnets as a fun holiday gift or stocking stuffer, make sure to channel your inner Kevin McAllister with a throaty “Keep the change, ya filthy animal” for maximum impact.
Decoupage travel map letter
Supplies:
- Travel maps
- Mod Podge® (matte finish)
- Matte finish acrylic sealer spray
- Foam brushes
- Scissors
Steps:
Cut map into strips of various widths.
Spread a layer of Mod Podge over surface of the letter with foam brush (leave sides bare).
Place strips of map haphazardly onto the surface of the letter. Add Mod Podge to the backs of overlapping pieces as you go. (Don’t fold over the edges.)
Rip strips in half to accommodate smaller spaces. Messy is okay (and even recommended.)
Once letter is mostly covered, add Mod Podge to the sides and fold over the paper edges. Rip as needed to navigate curves.
Fill in bare spots with additional strips as needed.
Let dry for 45 minutes.
Use foam brush to apply a coat of Mod Podge over entire letter including sides. Don’t be concerned that there will be a white layer over picture, it will dry clear.
Let dry for 45 minutes.
Add one last coat of Mod Podge and set aside for 2 days to let fully dry. (You may want to prop up the letter so it doesn’t stick to surface while drying.)
Take letter outside and spray one coat of acrylic sealer (do not spray inside).
Tip: Get creative with train schedules, travel guides, attraction brochures, ticket stubs, etc.
