Last month, we purchased a trailer and plan to do a lot of family camping trips this summer. I wanted to make something for Matthew to record all of the places that we go and a few of his favorite memories from each trip. He likes hidden places so I decided to create this canvas subway sign and store his journal in the back.
The back of a canvas provides a perfect place for a little journal or photo album!
MATERIALS
- Canvas.
- Paint.
- Vinyl letters or stencils.
- Cardboard for the front and back covers.
- Jump rings.
- Scrapbook Paper {Mine is from Kaiser Craft}.
- Distressing Tools {optional}
TO DO
- Paint your canvas on both the front and back sides.
- Add your words to the front of your canvas. I used cream vinyl cut from my Silhouette but you could always stencil them on as well. I chose words of places/trips that we have already done.
- If you are having trouble with your vinyl sticking, place a piece of thin paper over the words, heat the blow dryer over it for about 20 seconds and then press the vinyl down again. {I see I have a few letters that I need to straighten up!}
- For the journal, cut out a front and back cover from cardboard. Mine is approximately 5 x7 {just a bit smaller}. Then cut out a piece of scrapbook paper that is slightly larger than the cardboard. Trim the corners as shown.
- Fold the corners up and adhere with double sided tape {or lots of glue!}. Glue another sheet of coordinating scrapbook over the cardboard.
- I cut the inside journal pages to 4 x 6. That way I can easily add photos to the album. Punch holes for the jump rings. Decorate as you wish! I used some brown ink and a paper cutter to distress the paper.
- My paper is from Kaiser Craft {Pack Your Bag Line}.
- I added a few little tags throughout the album.
- I also divided the journal pages up into three categories: boat {my parents have a boat that Matthew LOVES going out in}, road trips {for our camping trips}, and air travel {hopefully there will be something for that tab soon!}.
- The journal actually fits quite nicely inside the canvas. You could always add some ribbon or elastic across the opening if you wanted it to be more secure.
I linked up with Shanty 2 Chic, Skip to my Lou, Embellishing Life, Ask Anna, Craft-O-Maniac, The Girl Creative, CRAFT, The DIY Showoff, I Heart Naptime, Thirty Handmade Days, Under the Table and Dreaming, Young and Crafty, Be Different Act Normal, Tatertots and Jello, 504 Main, Tidy Mom, Sun Scholars, Paisley Passions, House of Hepworths, The Shabby Chic Cottage, Elements Interiors, Night Owl Crafting, Passionately Artistic, Blue Cricket Design, The Lettered Cottage, Sew Chatty, Tip Junkie, and Today’s Creative Blog.
What awesome memories you are going to leave your child with! We camped my whole life and I didn’t miss out on a darn thing! Camped at Rehobith Beach, Disneyland TWICE… all over the place. I still have letters from penpals that I met those few years ago! I was born in 1982, and most of my school friends always stayed at nice hotels and we hauled a camper. Honestly, some of the best memories and pictures we have are from those happy simple times. We hope to have a trailer in the next couple years to share the joy with our two kiddos!
I LOVE this and your blog! Im your newest follower!
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SUCH a cute idea. I can’t wait to try and make some for my kids… crossing my fingers they can be as cute as yours!
Completely in love with this memorable idea Jenn! Found you on Tip Junkie
http://megschmitt-neveradullday.blogspot.com/
Such a cute idea! I’d love for you to link up at DIY Thrifty Thursday @ wwww.thrifty101.blogspot.com
what a great idea! stopping by from the lettered cottage.
love your idea what a great way to create memories
OH that is super cute!! Thanks for stopping by my blog..I’m a new follower!
how great! i love the little photo book, too.
Hi, Jenn! CAn you please join us again at the Creative Bloggers’ Party & Hop? Hope to see you there at the party 🙂