DIY Project: Travel Knick-Knacks

During my year abroad, I visited a lot of cities––both within Italy and in three other countries. I fell in love with traveling and my itch to continue has only grown stronger after graduation. But because I cannot afford to just pack my bags and fly to Europe or Asia right now, I am redecorating my room! I am going for a vintage world traveler vibe. I'll be sure to make a post with before and after pictures once it is all finished. Phase 1 was completed today and there are two more to go! It's a slow and expensive process, but it's so worth it.

That being said, I bought a postcard for every city I visited during my year abroad. I was peeved that I hadn't yet thought of a way to display them. These beautiful postcards have been hidden away for far too long. So, as my sister searched for a frame for one of her paintings at Ikea on Sunday, the idea came to me––I just needed a frame (which cost me $6) and a glue stick. 

This morning, I had my younger brother help me choose a few (because all of my postcards would not fit in one frame) and my mother helped me arrange them. 

Step 1) Pick postcards and arrange them over the unopened frame to see how many fit and how.
Step 2) Take a picture of the arrangement for future reference.
Step 3) Open frame and use the gray or white side of the display sheet to glue postcards securely.
Step 4) Reassemble frame and hang in your room!

For the spaces that were too small for a postcard, but looked awkward if left empty, I used museum tickets or restaurant business cards that I collected during my year abroad. It paid off that I collected so many little things. For my next frame, I'll be combining train tickets and the remaining postcards.

It took maybe 30 minutes and will be a beautiful and personal addition to my bedroom!