Postcard Collage

Have you ever envisioned something thinking it was the coolest, most creative idea ever? A moment of brilliance that would awe your friends and family? And... half way through the project you wonder WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING! I'm not sure if I love this collage or think it's the tackiest thing ever. Either way, it's done and hanging on my wall. 

Materials Needed: 24"X36" canvas ($13 on sale at Michael's), black spray paint ($1), glue (had on hand), and postcards (collected over the last 23 years-priceless), Modge Podge ($5 with 50% off coupon at Joann's)

1.     Spray paint entire canvas with black paint. Paint edges too. Choose the windiest day of the year to do this first task. (I think half the paint is somewhere floating in our atmosphere).

2.      After paint is dry begin placing postcards on the canvas to get an idea of your layout. Take some pictures and then take a break to think about how awesome your project is going to look when finished

3.      Begin gluing post cards directly to canvas referring to your picture. I used Aileen's Tacky Glue and was not pleased with the results. After doing some research, I think a spray adhesive would work best.

4.       After glue has dried, cover the postcards with a layer of Modge Podge. I put the Modge Podge on too thickly causing the post cards to look wavy.I wonder if another sealant would work better?

5.      Taa Daa!

6.      Begin to realize that taking a few minutes to think about your project would have resulted in a better outcome. Hang it up anyways and think it doesn't look too bad from far away.

Here are some other ideas for displaying postcards.Evidently, I'm not the only one in the world who has moments of brilliance.

(Travel) Sequoia National Park

Our summer camping trip is booked!We're meeting up with the Bolin family the first week of July for some camping and trekking in Sequoia National Park. To prepare for the trip I've read the National Parks Service tips on dealing with bears. Apparently we're guaranteed to see a few. Hopefully these encounters will be from afar and not up close. I'm looking forward to hiking with the kids, swinging in a hammock and visiting with some good friends.It may seem a bit strange to book a camping trip six months in advance, but some of the more popular attractions fill up fast or have waiting lists! Have you started planning a summer trip?

Penny Collectors

When I first started traveling in my teens I was determined to purchase a mug as a reminder of the places I'd been. It seemed like a very utilitarian type of thing. This was not very practical to pack and I quickly changed to postcards. I have a pile of postcards that are currently being displayed in an interesting way. I'll share the outcome of this project in a later post.  Our two young boys collect elongated pennies. Elongated pennies are pennies flattened and pressed with a design. It's a cheap souvenir at a mere 51 cents and usually the boys can choose their own design. They both have their own penny collector books to display their souvenirs. What is your favorite souvenir? Do you have a way of organizing or displaying your souvenirs?

(Travel) Avila Beach

Shorts in December!

Let me describe a place that is like paradise. It never seems to be windy or foggy. The kids happily dig in the sand, chase sea gulls and splash in the water. Avila Beach is our favorite beach to spend the day. Arrive around 10 a.m. to get a decent parking spot and pack a picnic lunch. I guarantee that you will never want to leave. Avila Beach is located about 10 minutes from San Luis Obispo. You may find the Avila Beach Sea Life Center interesting. They have about eight small tanks displaying local sea life. Friendly docents helpfully provide information about the critters and give opportunities to gently touch the animals. It is small, but worth the visit if you've never had an opportunity to touch a swell shark or star fish. $3 for adults and $2 for kids 3 and over.

(Trek) Buttermilk Bend Trail

January second found us trekking the Buttermilk Bend Trail in the South Yuba River State Park which is commonly known as Bridgeport. This trail extend along the rim of the South Yuba River giving a beautiful vista of emerald clear water and mild rapids. The trail is very easy for little legs to maneuver. Of course, we didn't stay on the trail the whole time. There is a steep path down to the river about a quarter mile down the trail. This leads to a spectacular spot with large boulders and a close up view of the river. We all commented that this would be an awesome spot to return to in the summer for a swim.

(Trip) California State Railroad Museum

I've resisted visiting the California State Railroad Museum for many years. I do not have a fascination with trains like a certain three year old that I know. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. I was swept away by the historical significance of railroads on Californian and American history. The museum has plenty of experienced docents to explain features of the trains and answer questions. My favorite part was touring the sleeping and dining cars; the cars gently rock back and forth as if you were traveling on the train. The second story features a Thomas the Train play area. This area was quite popular with the younger set, but everyone happily shared the six train tables and many trains. We left the museum with the commitment to take a family trip by train. We considered visiting my brother in Oklahoma until we calculated that it would take us 52 hours to arrive! Children five and under FREE.