Camp WannaMakeIt began as a fun collaboration between nine creators, with each of us sharing a project from our own little corner of camp. My stop for the day was Happy Mail Hollow, so I wanted to create something that would be perfect for journals, happy mail, MemoryDex cards, and other paper crafting projects.
I started with the FREE Camp WannaMakeIt Welcome Pack, but beyond that, I really didn’t have a detailed plan. I gathered my printed pages, started cutting things apart, and let the pieces lead the way. Before long, those printable postcards turned into a tiny tab-bound mini journal, and one idea quickly led to another.
Before cutting the postcards apart, I printed one of the scenic pages on the back of the postcard sheet. That simple step gave each postcard a finished reverse side while adding even more opportunities for layering and storytelling.
One Idea Leads to Another
As I started playing with the postcards, I remembered a little booklet I had made years ago using vintage postcards. That seemed like the perfect place to start, although the project quickly took on a life of its own. Instead of simply making a booklet, I found myself adding little details as I went.
I connected the postcards with small tabs of fabric tape to create the mini journal. Next, I tucked in the camper passport, added pockets and tuck spots, layered several of the camp-themed embellishments, and even made a coordinating MemoryDex card from one of the scenic pages. By the time I finished, I had several different projects from the same printable pages.
More Than Just a Mini Journal
That is one of the things I enjoy most about designing these collections. A postcard does not have to stay a postcard. Instead, it can become a journal page, a tuck spot, a tag, a pocket, or part of a mini album. Likewise, a scenic page can become a background, a MemoryDex card, or several smaller embellishments simply by cutting it apart.
In fact, that is really the idea behind the Village Creative Series. Rather than creating collections with only one intended use, I want them to become creative building blocks. Mix the pieces together. Resize them. Layer them. Combine them with supplies you already have. Then let them become something uniquely yours.
Creative Play Is the Best Part
One of my favorite moments during the project came when I realized I was no longer following any particular plan. Instead, I was simply looking at each printable piece and asking, “What else could this become?” That little change in thinking is often where the most creative ideas begin.
The mini journal was only the beginning. The same printable pages also became embellishments, pockets, tuck spots, and a MemoryDex card. Even better, there were still plenty of pieces left to use in future projects.
Watch the Project Come Together
If you’d like to watch the project from start to finish, you can catch the replay here:
If you’d like to create along with me, you can download the FREE Camp WannaMakeIt Welcome Pack or explore the complete Camp WannaMakeIt Collection for even more buildings, Camp Friends, scenic backgrounds, coordinating papers, textures, Story Layers, and creative embellishments.
FREE Camp WannaMakeIt Welcome Pack
Camp WannaMakeIt Welcome Pack
Camp WannaMakeIt Collection
Camp WannaMakeIt Collection
I hope this project encourages you to pull out a few printable pages and simply start creating. You don’t need every detail planned before you begin. Sometimes the best projects happen because you stay open to new ideas along the way.
After all, there really are no rules. Just play.
Keep the Adventure Going!
If you enjoyed this project or information, I’d love for you to continue exploring more creative adventures here at My Artful Adventures — including paper crafting tutorials, junk journals, folios, mixed media projects, printable collections, and livestream inspiration.
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Cheers to YOUR Artful Adventures!
Kristie