Hey there, fellow adventurers! Are you one of those creative souls who just can't resist capturing life's magic through sketches and words? Well, you're in for a treat. Packing your gear for these creative escapades might seem like a puzzle, but trust me, we've got this! With some smart planning and a touch of creativity, we can make sure you're all set to capture every moment of your journey. Let's dive into the world of packing and organizing for your on-the-go journaling and sketching adventures.

The Art of Packing and Organising

Alright, let's get straight to the point: packing smart is the name of the game when it comes to creating on the move. So, let's break down what you need and how to pack it like a pro.

Essentials You Can't Do Without:

Sticky Situation Solved: First things first, pack some double-sided tape or trusty glue. It's your secret weapon to keep those sketches, ephemera and journal entries in place without any mess.

Sketching Basics: Don't forget your lead pencil (a mechanical pencil is ideal - I use size 0.7 HB), eraser and sharpener. They're your tools for getting those initial sketches just right.

Splash of Colour: Coloured writing pens, pencils or a set of watercolour paints are a must. They'll add a pop of vibrant personality to your journal. NOTE: If you are taking paints it is easier, and less messy, to use pans of paint rather than tubes. Don’t forget paintbrushes if you are using paints. Water brushes are the best for painting on the go.

Let's Get Artsy: Whether it's watercolour paints, watercolour pencils, or artsy pens, bring them along to add life and vibrancy to your creations.

Bits and Pieces of Magic: Grab those tags, paper scraps, and other odds and ends. They're like the puzzle pieces that add that extra touch of creativity.

Print Your Memories: If you're a photo printing enthusiast, consider bringing a mini photo printer, photo paper, and extra ink cartridges. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

Cutting-Edge Creativity: Pop in a pair of scissors, but if you're flying, make sure to check the airline's rules on sharp objects.

The Power of Printing Photos:

Let's talk about the magic of a portable photo printer. Sure, it might sound like an extra load, but it's like having a tiny art studio right in your bag. Printing photos as you go not only ensures you'll actually finish your journal, but it also gives you the freedom to express yourself creatively without worrying about space.

Navigating the Packing Maze:

As you gear up for your creative adventure, keep a few things in mind:

Mode of Travel: If you are flying, familiarise yourself with the rules for liquids, sharp objects, and weight restrictions. This information can normally be found on the airlines website. If you're hitting the road, you've got more freedom when it comes to packing scissors and other essentials. There are usually fewer restrictions on contents and weight.

Time and Place: How long you'll be away and where you're headed will determine the type and amount of supplies you'll need.

Packing Wisely: Especially if you're flying, be mindful of how much your creative essentials weigh and the space they take up in your luggage.

Must-Have Tools for Your Creative Arsenal:

When you're on the creative journey, a few things are non-negotiable:

Cutting Precision: You'll need a good cutting tool for those clean edges and precise trims. Or, if you are like me and love the look of organic torn edges you may not need a pair of scissors. But pack a small pair just in case.

Sticking Together: Reliable adhesive is a must. So, bring along glue pens, double-sided tape, and 3D mounting tape.

Write Away: Don't forget to pack journaling pens, pencils, erasers, and a ruler for all those thoughts waiting to be put on paper. A word of warning - if you are like me and you love using fountain pens do not use them whilst in flight. The cabin pressure changes will most likely make them leak. If you want to take them pack them securely in a sealed zip lock bag and don't uncap them whilst flying.

Photo Magic: If printing photos on the go is your thing, make sure you have a printer, enough paper, and ink cartridges.

Taking It Up a Notch with "Nice-to-Haves":

While the essentials are the backbone of your creative kit, these extras can really make your creations shine:

Embellishment Extravaganza: A collection of rub-ons, stickers, buttons, and ribbons can add that extra oomph to your journal.

Playing with Paper: Different textures and patterns of paper allow you to experiment and bring your pages to life.

Inks, Stamps, and More: These little wonders can help you achieve various artistic effects and styles in your journal.

Crafty Tools: From eyelet punches to paper accents, these tools are like the sprinkles on top of your creative cupcake.

Packing Like a Pro

Ready for some packing wizardry? Here's a simple plan to make your travel journalling dreams come true:

Stay Realistic: Be honest with yourself about what you truly need. Can you find something on your journey or use what you already have? For example - my pointy reverse tweezers are ideal for punching holes for brads or adding postcards to my journal so I don't need to take a hole punch.

Predict the Buys: Imagine what you might come across during your trip. Avoid doubling up and use what you've got. You don't need to take alphabet stickers or stamps to make catching titles - instead collect brochures and cut letters or titles from those to add to your journal.

Mini Versions: Whenever possible, opt for smaller versions of your must-have tools. It saves space and weight. I pack have mini water brushes - yes I need to fill them more often but they fit into my paint palette with my paints.

Watch that Weight: If you're flying, keep an eye on the weight of your supplies so you don't end up with an unwelcome baggage surprise.

A Sneak Peek into My Creative Kit

Curious about what's in my travel toolkit? Here's a quick rundown:

• Watercolours and a handy water brush (I find that a reliable brand is Kuretake Zig Watercolour Brush – I don’t know what it is with some of the cheaper, less known brands, but at times it is impossible to squeeze even a small amount of water out of them. If you are short on space look for the mini water brushes like these.
• Part of my watercolour kit is also my Peerless Watercolour Palette - the ultimate travel watercolour companion
• A selection of coloured pencils
• Pens with different nib sizes for a range of sketching styles
• A ruler that's not just for measuring, but also for tearing paper like a pro!
• Double-sided tape, and a trusty pair of scissors
• Sharp pointed tweezers (like these) for delicate work and handy for hole punching
• Ink pads and stamps in colours and designs that match my journal's theme (I keep these to a minimum)
• Photo printer, photo paper and ink for picture-perfect memories (I travel with a Kodak Dock). Please note that I pack this in my check in bags as it is a bit bulking to put in hand luggage
• Handpicked embellishments and papers that complement my journal's vibe
• And last, but not least, my travel journal

The Perfect Container for Your Supplies

When it comes to keeping your creative supplies organised and safe, consider an A4 or 12x12 hard plastic document file that is about 2 cm deep (I used to use one like this). This type of container gives you room to store your essentials while protecting them.

Another option is a dedicated bag or satchel. I swear by my trusty pink satchel—it fits all my creative gear and makes it super easy to grab and go. (It is approximately 35cm x 25cm x 8cm)

Wrapping it all up

As we wrap up this journey through the art of packing for travel journalling, remember that it's all about finding the sweet spot between smart planning and flexible creativity.

By choosing your tools carefully, aligning your packing strategy with your travel plans, and making thoughtful decisions, you're setting the stage for a creative adventure like no other. Your travel journal isn't just a collection of sketches and words—it's a living testament to your experiences and the beauty you encounter along the way. So, gear up with your creative essentials, throw in a dash of enthusiasm, and let your journey unfold as a masterpiece in the making. Happy creating, my fellow adventurers! 🎨✈️

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