Whether you’re creating a personalised gift or preserving memories from your travels, a keepsake made from this material is a great way to showcase your creativity. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make your very own travel-ready keepsake that captures your adventure and can easily be carried along on your travels.
Materials You’ll Need
Here are the supplies you’ll need to make a stunning, travel-ready acrylic board memorabilia:
- Acrylic board: Choose the size of the board based on your design preferences. An 8×10 or 12×12-inch board is perfect for small, compact designs that are easy to carry.
- Paint, markers, or vinyl stickers: These will be used to customise your acrylic printed board. Choose waterproof materials for durability.
- Stencils: If you want to add intricate designs or text, stencils are a great option.
- Photos, postcards, or tickets: Personalise your keepsake with mementoes from your travels.
- Mod Podge or clear acrylic sealer: To ensure the longevity of your design, seal your work with a protective finish.
- Glue and scissors: For adhering your photos or decorations onto the surface, use a strong adhesive like Mod Podge or glue to securely attach them.
- Hanging/stand options: Depending on whether you want to hang or display your keepsake on a shelf, you may need a stand or wall hooks.
1: Select Your Design or Theme
Your first step is deciding on the theme of your travel keepsake. The design of your keepsake will serve as a reflection of your adventure, so it’s important to think about the elements that will make your memory stand out.
- Travel theme: You can opt for a general travel theme with images such as landmarks, destinations, or maps, or you can focus on specific experiences like a particular country or trip.
- Colour scheme: Choose colours that complement your travel theme. Consider vibrant hues to reflect your excitement or a more neutral palette for a sophisticated look.
2: Prepare the Acrylic Board
The material is smooth and easy to work with, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results:
- Clean the acrylic board: Before applying any design or photos, make sure the surface is clean and free of dust or fingerprints.
- Measure and cut: If you’re using a large acrylic sheet and need to cut it down to size, measure carefully and use a saw designed for acrylic. If you’re working with a pre-cut piece, skip this step.
- Sand edges (optional): For a sleek finish, you may want to lightly sand the edges to remove any sharpness.
3: Personalise Your Acrylic Board
This is where the fun begins! Here are a few ways to personalise it:
- Adding photos: Print out your favourite travel photos and cut them to fit your acrylic board. Arrange the photos in a creative layout, whether that’s a grid pattern or scattered across the board.
- Incorporating mementoes: Ticket stubs, postcards, and even receipts are great additions to your design. Arrange them in a way that complements the photos and reflects the essence of your travels.
- Custom text: You can add a meaningful quote, location name, or date of the trip to further personalise your acrylic keepsake. Use paint, markers, or vinyl lettering for a neat, professional look.
4: Assemble Your Keepsake
Now that your surface is prepared and your design is ready, it’s time to assemble everything. Here’s how:
- Arrange your elements: Before gluing anything down, arrange all your photos and mementoes on the acrylic board.
- Adhere the pieces: Once you’re happy with the arrangement, use a strong adhesive like Mod Podge or glue to secure your photos and mementoes in place. Be sure to use just a small amount of glue to avoid excess that could affect the clarity of the acrylic.
- Add final touches: If you’re adding any custom designs or text, now is the time to paint or draw directly onto the acrylic surface. You can also use vinyl stickers or stencils for more intricate details.
5: Seal and Protect Your Artwork
- Apply a clear acrylic sealer: Use a spray-on acrylic sealer or a brush-on finish like Mod Podge. This will protect the photos, paint, and other elements from fading or peeling.
- Drying time: Allow the sealer to dry completely before handling or transporting your keepsake. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times to ensure the best results.
6: Add Hanging or Display Features
If you want to display your keepsake at home or take it with you on your travels, you’ll need to add a hanging or display option:
- Wall hanging: Use adhesive wall hooks, or drill holes in the corners of the board to hang it with a ribbon or cord. Make sure the board is secure and can handle the weight.
- Stand: If you prefer to display your keepsake on a shelf or desk, use a small stand designed to hold your keepsake. These stands come in various designs and are perfect for showcasing your custom artwork.
7: Travel-Test Your Keepsake
Since your goal is to create a travel-ready keepsake, you’ll need to make sure it’s secure and easy to transport:
- Packaging: Wrap your keepsake in soft material, such as bubble wrap or foam, to prevent scratches or breakage during transit. For added durability and protection, consider using perspex signs for an extra layer of safety.
- Keep it compact: Ensure that the board is small enough to fit in your luggage or carry-on bag. Acrylic is lightweight, so it should be easy to carry along without adding too much bulk.
- Storage case: Consider placing your acrylic board in a sturdy storage case to keep it safe and secure while on the go.
Conclusion
Creating a travel-ready keepsake is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to preserve your travel memories in a creative and durable way. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, these keepsakes serve as a beautiful reminder of your adventures and make for thoughtful gifts or personal displays.
If you’re looking to bring your designs to life with top-quality materials, Board Printing Company can help. We specialise in custom printing and perspex signs, offering durable, high-quality products for all your creative needs.