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Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Homemade Souvenirs - Putting a Little of Yourself into Your Vacation Mementos

Most vacationers are looking for that something special to bring home as a token of their trip. Unfortunately, in many vacation destinations, the norm is streets filled with tacky souvenir shops. Filled with racks of postcards, imprinted shot glasses, baseball hats and keychains, they're fine for many. Still, others are looking to take home something a little different and, perhaps, more personal.

So this year, why not do something a little different on vacation? Make your own special souvenirs.

Making your own souvenirs can be as simple as remembering to pack your camera. Digital or 35mm is fine. Take whatever photos you find most appealing, whether it's photos of the kids at the waterpark, photos of landmarks, or compositions of landscape and wildlife. Be prepared to take a lot of photos; it's your best chance to get a few really good shots.

If you've gone digital, why not create a screensaver for your computer out of them? For great 35 mm prints, why not enlarge your favorite photo or photos, frame them, and designate a wall in your home just for vacation pictures?

Maybe photography's not your thing. So why not take a fun class while on vacation? Many vacation destinations have artistic specialties. If your destination specializes in pottery, why not take a pottery class while away? It's a relaxing way to spend part of your vacation, plus you'll have the benefit of being able to bring your own handmade souvenir home with you.

Arts and crafts with the kids is something else to consider while on vacation. There's bound to be some down-time on vacation, particularly if you're traveling with little ones. Whether it's a rainy afternoon or those hours before bedtime, arts and crafts are a great way to pass the time for both kids and adults alike.

Let your vacation destination influence what kind of arts and crafts project you choose. If you're at the shore, make sand candles or string sea shells onto necklaces. If you're camping in the woods, search for unusual leaves or pretty wildflowers to bring home and press between the pages of a book. Just be careful not to stumble onto poison ivy!

A great project for all destinations is to create a keepsake ornament. Small, clear, round plastic ornaments can be purchased in most craft stores. You can fill the ornament with all sorts of things: sand, seashells, pebbles. Tie it with a ribbon and you'll have a great remembrance of a special trip.

The idea, ultimately, is to be creative. Creating a souvenir from scratch can be a rewarding way to commemorate a special family trip. Whatever method you choose, have fun, use your imagination, and you'll be sure to bring home a wonderful souvenir from your vacation that you will have for years to come.

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