Pretty soon mi familia and I are heading off on an adventure to sunnier climes. Here in northern Ohio, things are getting a bit chilly, so we going to have one last flirtation with warmer weather before we hunker down with our winter crafting.
I used to snap all kinds of pics when we were on vacation, and take a journal- expecting that when I got home I’d go on some big scrapbooking bender and come out with extensive photobooks, filled with pages of journalling….
And then reality hit. That’s NOT the way I work! Better to take a travel journal, make notes as I go, tuck in little brochures or tickets, then add a few special photos after the fact. In this manner, the pressure is off- I can make my notes in the moment and backfill a little when I get home. And it’s a better account of the trip, too. Less glossy, more authentic.
So, that being said, I’ve got to pack my travel crafting kit! I need a small-but -versatile kit to take in my packed luggage:
- Travel journal
- Glue Stick
- Scissors (this year I’m taking my Quick Snippers!)
- Water color pencils (this time it’s my new faves, Derwent Inktense Pencils)
- Water brush (you know, the hollow pens with a brush tip that hold water)
- Mechanical pencils
- Permanent Markers (Taking my fine-line Bic Mark-its.)
- Pencil sharpener
I’d also suggest a piece of parchment or freezer paper, so that if you are gluing things down or doing a wash, you can protect your other pages.
With these basic supplies, you can sketch, color, and alter. Part of the fun is using what you find on your trip to embellish your book and tell your story!
A note on I like to make my own travel journals with watercolor paper. It holds up well to all media, and if you do it right, there are little nooks and crannies to tuck goodies into. But that’s a post for a different day….maybe tomorrow, even!
November 11, 2010 at 5:50 am
LOVE this idea. All you need is a cute pouch & you’re set
November 11, 2010 at 8:45 am
Actually, Heather, my kid’s school sold bags and pouches for a fund-raiser….so I AM! Actually, now that you mention it, I just may add a vinyl monogram to REALLY set it off….*wanders up to the studio*
November 12, 2010 at 8:24 pm
What a great idea … I’m going to have to put together one of these for myself!
November 13, 2010 at 6:06 am
Hey, how about adding some stencils, mini ink pads and sponge daubers to your kit?
Stencils are lightweight, plus you only could take smaller ones that fit the pages of your journal. Mini ink pads don’t take up much space either. And daubers are small, but sooo versatile for stenciling, colouring edges, or making backgrounds.