You’ve saved up for a vacation that is sure to make memories. But how do you commemorate the vacation? Do you purchase a keepsake at every stop? Your suitcase might exceed the weight limit if you choose this option. How do you remember the little details that add up to one fantastic experience? I’m going to share with you how to use journaled postcards and a little creativity to quickly and inexpensively preserve vacation memories.
I propose you gather postcards along your travels and journal on the backs. Create at least one memory card per day. Write more if you experience an especially event-filled day.
Postcard Journal Prompts
- Why did you choose this postcard?
- What did you eat today?
- Where did you go?
- What amazing sights did you take in?
- What funny event happened?
- When did a mishap alter your schedule?
You can easily bring the postcards home in your luggage or mail them to yourself so that you collect postage stamps and postmarks, as well. After you have unpacked and started the laundry, implement one of these quick methods. Add a little creativity and transform your postcard collection into its own work of art.
1) Washi-Bound Postcard Book – Carrie Waller at Dream Green DIY connected a series of postcards using coordinated washi tapes. She measured strips of tape to match the lengths of the postcards, connecting two cards at a time. She then bound the entire collection using one big strip of washi tape generated from overlapping binding-sized parallel cuts. The masterpiece is worthy of any coffee table, making it handy to share memories. Carrie includes more photos and details in her Washi-Bound Postcard Book tutorial.
Materials needed:
- Postcards
- Washi tape
- Scissors
Dream Green DIY Washi-Bound Postcard Book
2) Postcard Vase – Sherry Petersik of Young House Love enacted “Project Postcard”. She dedicated a vase, set in a prominent area of the home, to display her collection of postcards. The backs of the cards are complete with details of the trip and “sightseeing hijinks”. The vase of cards serves as a visual reminder of treasured memories and inspiration for future excursions.
Materials needed:
- Postcards
- Tall vase
Young House Love “Project Postcard”
3) Postcard Rolodex – Korie B. at We will Always Have Paris puts a unique spin on a Rolodex. Customized labeled dividers separate multiple card collections in a single compilation. While her sample photos describe a collection of destinations sorted as to whether or not she has made the trip, the same assembly method could be applied to journaled postcards from several vacations. Visit Korie’s blog for more inspiration.
Materials needed:
- Postcards
- Rolodex
- Rolodex Dividers
- Scissors
We Will Always Have Paris Postcard Rolodex
4) As-You-Go Vacation Keepsake – This design comes courtesy of Martha Stewart as an item on her extensive list of summer organizing tips. Pack a single-hole punch and a ring clip in your luggage. Simply punch and clip together memorabilia as you collect it daily. This versatile technique can expand your souvenirs to include other “punchable” remembrances, as well. What makes this project especially appealing is that with minimal effort, the project is complete upon your arrival home.
Materials needed:
- Postcards
- Single-hole Punch
- Ring Clip
Martha Stewart’s As-You-Go Vacation Keepsake
5) Bound Postcards of Your Travels – Teresa at Offbeat Home & Life paints a nostalgic picture of a collection of postcards memorializing treasured memories from a special trip. Having written cards and mailed them to your home, (once they all arrive) bind the cards together using decorative cord. The resulting book is quite beautiful. See Teresa’s blog for more details.
Materials needed:
- Postcards
- Scissors
- Decorative Cord
Offbeat Home & Life Postcards to Myself
Next time you plan a vacation consider how you will use journaled postcards and a little creativity to quickly and inexpensively preserve vacation memories.
Which method will you use to commemorate your vacation? What creative touch will you add to make your postcard collection more meaningful to you? Share your ideas in the comments.
If you liked this post, you may enjoy these, as well.
I love the washi tape bound collection of postcards. How creative and simple. I have a trip coming up in a couple of weeks, and I am so excited to try this out! Thanks for sharing.
Amy, I’m glad you found an idea that fits your creative style. Be sure to pop on over to dream green diy to see Carrie’s step-by-step instructions. I’m excited to hear how your washi-bound postcard book turns out.