This post was most recently updated on July 9th, 2019
I can’t write about travel and not give a little time to another hobby of mine — making crafts. I guess it’s inevitable that the two might even intersect. So here’s a collection of travel crafts I really like. They meet my approval for fun, creative travel-related craft projects. They would also make great gifts, too. Scroll through and see if you agree…
Mountain wood blocks
Simplistic in form, but cute as heck! These could be stylish decorations or children’s toys. Such a great idea with easy instructions, from the HungryHeart blog.
State or Country String Art
Find a map and draw its outline on a piece of wood. Add a heart in the center. Pound in a bunch of nails (great for stress relief!) and then “connect the dots” with string. Another example of easy travel art you could make yourself. Thanks to Imgfave’s diyforever for a great idea!
Matchbox Suitcases
I think the little girl in me loves this craft. Miniatures are sooo irresistible! But there’s a practical side to this project, too. Can you think of a better way to present jewelry or a surprise travel itinerary? These little suitcases would also make great favors for a travel-themed birthday party or bridal shower! All it requires is a matchbox and brown paper. Detailed instructions and free printable travel stamps can be found at craftster.org — thanks to “Kimbles”.
Framed Foreign Currency
I’d never seen money look so attractive, and it really made me re-think the need to spend all your cash before leaving a foreign country. Now you can bring it home with you and add it to your travel-themed decor. Idea by Jackie at School of Decorating.
Road Map Birdhouses
Put all those old road maps to use by applying to wooden birdhouses with decopage. If you first paint the birdhouse in a complimentary color found in the map, it will really pop! You could add polyurethane to waterproof and use these in your garden…or nest several together for a mantelpiece showcase. Idea and photos from craftsbyamanda and Midwestliving.
Map Gift Wrap
This is more than just being economical and re-purposing old maps. Maps make beautiful gift wrap and might even hint at what’s inside if you’re giving gifts to a seasoned traveler!
Hungry for more travel crafts?
Here are a few more photos for inspiration:
I’ve also written the following posts about travel crafts:
- Ten Crafty Travel Projects
- Ten More Crafty Travel Projects
- Using Travel Photos to Make Cards & Books
Any new ideas to share with my readers? Please include them in your comments below!
Awesome! Thanks for the creative ideas. Perhaps you’ll even see a few of your Christmas presents wrapped in maps this year. 🙂
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I love all of these ideas!!! If this time of year wasn’t so busy I’d get to crafting. Will have to do some after the new year.
These are really cute travel crafts. Would be ideal gifts for those with travel on their minds. I especially liked the map bird houses.
So many cute travel crafts! Love the mini suitcases and the map necklace.
I’m not really crafty, but these projects make me want to at least try. So cute!
All great ideas! I think I’d end up punching something out of frustration, though, trying to make the string art. I’ve been meaning to do the foreign currency frames for years… maybe it’s time I get on that!
Love the birdhouses!
I’ve been seeing string art in a quite a few places. I remember doing that in art class in elementary school in the 70’s! I guess everything comes back around, right? You’ve got a fun list here. Have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Sara!
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OMG such cute ideas! I think the little suitcases are just adorable!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have a crafty side too, some of these I just love….travel map wrapping paper, framing foreign money and the mountains. Thanks for sharing 🙂
The mountains were my personal favorite! I made some for my daughter, who lives in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains…
Love these ideas! Wall art is my jam, and the framed currency looks amazing.
These are all such wonderful ideas. You are so creative!