How to Make a Map Keepsake Box for Your Travel Trinkets

An easy DIY to display your travel memories.

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Are you the type of person who loves to collect travel trinkets and souvenirs? If you tend to keep every plane ticket, metro pass or postcard you acquire, don't simply shove them in a random junk drawer; make a map-covered keepsake box for each big trip you take to store your travel treasures. These keepsake boxes would make a great addition to any bookshelf display or a thoughful gift for the traveler in your life.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

Supplies:

*map of the place you visited

*old cigar box

*decoupage glue + sponge brush

*scissors

*craft knife

*pencil

*letter stickers

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 1

Trace the outside of the box on the map, leaving about two inches on the top and bottom.

 STEP 2

Cut out the map.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 3

Apply decoupage glue to the back of the box and press down on the "wrong" side of the map.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 4

Fold the excess map over the lid of the cigar box, apply more decoupage glue and press down.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 5

Decoupage the rest of the outside of the box, smoothing the map down as you go.

 STEP 6

Trim excess map at the bottom.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 7

Fold over bottom flap and decoupage inside the cigar box.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 8

Trim excess map on the sides with craft knife.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 9

Turn box on its side, trace and cut out. Repeat on the other side.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 10

Decoupage the two cutouts on the sides. 

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 11 

Trim any excess with craft knife.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

 STEP 12

Add stick-on letters to spell the name of the city or country from where you travel souvenirs came.

Photo by: Laura James

Laura James

DIY Map Keepsake Box
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