DIY Souvenirs

I usually never pick up souvenirs anymore when we go on trips. I generally take gift giving very seriously, so the added stress of finding just the perfect thing when the focus is on relaxation or work is just too much:} But, Paris was special, and I knew I had to share the beauty of this trip with my family.

Paris souvenir shops are pretty much like any other souvenir shop everywhere. Spoons, t-shirts, pencil and pen sets, mouse pads, etc. Nothing really conveyed the vibe of everything amazing we were seeing. So, I decided to convert the best thing I brought home, my pictures, into souvenirs for everyone.

These ideas were a million times easier than lugging home stuff and hoping it doesn't break, get ruined, or you exceed 50 pounds in your luggage. It took a bit more work on the back end of the trip, but I was on a weird, euphoric high for the first couple days I was home, so knocked these out quick.

I picked up these shadowbox frames at IKEA and framed a few of my favorite shots. I added some little vintage Eiffel Tower charms I had picked up in Paris. A quick date stamp of the day the picture was shot, and you have an instant personal gift. I thought this baguette pic would be so cute for a kitchen.


My next project were these necklaces. I Photoshopped down pictures I had taken of the Eiffel Tower and the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, inserted them into these glass necklace charms, and added some vintage charms I found around Paris. I also brought home a handful of Euro and drilled a small hole through them to hang off the necklace. I put everything on a simple ball chain necklace. Nothing you could really wear to work, but cute with jeans and a t-shirt.

And this is another necklace I did last night. Love these glass circle charms you can add your own paper and charms to. Think I am addicted!