Personal Travel Journal

This week's challenge was for our teams to create a high-end campsite. For personal projects we were to use a United States map, something from nature, and total budget was $50. Well, what better way to use a map than to chronicle my recent year of travel? I created a Memory Journal of those travels--I call it "Remembering". The journal was presented in a nature inspired vignette (wine box trimmed in fabric, various plant specimens from the property, magnifying glass, etc. artfully placed.) Perhaps you have travels you would like to chronicle. Remember, traveling doesn't have to be something you do by going to other states or countries. It can be your individual life experiences that have taken you on a fantastic, memorable journey. Keeping a record of it will allow you to enjoy those experiences time and time again. Here is what you will need to re-create my individual project winner of the week:

Supplies
small wine crate with lid (I received mine for free from the local wine store proprietor)
1- 8"x8" suede swatch
2 yards - leather lace
1 United States map
fine tip felt marker & pens
11"x11" decorative paper
various scrap booking adornments
Craftsman drill
Craftstman jig saw or small hand saw
hole punch
hot glue gun
dried ferns, leaves, flowers, moss, etc.
2-3 tea bags steeped in hot water

First, cut the lid from your wine crate in half. These pieces will be the front and back covers of your journal. While holding the covers together, clamp down securely to your work surface. Drill three holes equidistant along the left edge where you will fasten together. Place your sheets of decorative paper inside the two covers of the journal and mark holes with a pencil. Use the hole punch to punch holes in those locations. I used 12 sheets because I was creating a single page for each month of the year. Fasten the pages to the cover by lashing the leather lace securely. For the front cover of the journal, cut the suede fabric swatch fancifully, and glue to the front cover. I used a felt tip marker to write 'REMEMBERING' on my cover. Add bits of nature to the cover at this point. I used ferns, leaves, and fungi that I found on my campgrounds.

To construct the journal, I began by tearing away a piece of the map for each city I traveled to for that month. After tearing the map - I would crumble it into a ball - then smooth it out (to get a worn look). Take the piece of map and submerge for a few seconds in the steeped tea. This will antique it. Let it dry. Once the map is dry, continue to fray its edges by picking away pieces randomly. I even burned the edges and slightly over a candle for added effect. Once your map is just the way you like it, hot glue it on your journal page. Adorn with various scrapbook decorations to set the mood for your sentiment. Now it's time to write. I find that writing in a journal is a great way to help relieve stress…and let me tell you, this camping trip was full of stress! I'll take you inside my journal with September - here is what I wrote:

"SEPTEMBER: San Diego CA: No need to travel this month. School is back in session. Wow! What a fast busy summer. The anticipation to begin a new school year for the children is always exciting. The new school clothes, fresh school supplies and new adventures for an advanced grade awaits them. Alas the summer is over. No more long days at the beach, for we must begin to plan music rehearsals, football practices, late night homework sessions, and a general increase in social activities for us all. I'm glad for the summer rest - but I too am anxious for the New Year. My babies are growing up…and how truly wonderful they are!" I adorned this page with a miniature black board with "A+" written in red marker. I hope you are inspired by my project to create your own personal journal. No need to purchase expensive bindings and such…go to nature - re-purpose an object (like a wine lid)-and create your memories!