Travel-Friendly Crafting: My Go-To Art Supplies for the Road
I travel frequently for both personal and professional reasons, and I've discovered that I really enjoy making mail and working in my journals while on the road. Not having the tools and supplies I need can make a trip feel long and tedious. Although I sometimes don't have the time or energy to use my supplies, I always prefer to have them with me just in case. Recently, I went on two back-to-back Virgin Voyage cruises and loved working on projects in my room at night and in comfortable public spaces with beautiful views during the day. It was incredibly relaxing, and I met many people who were curious about my crafting. Many were surprised that I traveled with supplies and wanted to know what I packed and how I managed to keep it reasonable. So, in today’s post, I'll share my supply list and my thoughts on crafting while traveling.
This list might seem extensive, but with a little planning, you can fit everything into three makeup pouches. When I first decided to take supplies with me, I made a list and packed everything, then spent a week using only those items. I noted what I used and what I didn't, then adjusted my supplies accordingly. After a few iterations, I found the perfect setup, which I'm sharing with you now:
Scissors
I never carry my favorite scissors in my carry-on to avoid confiscation.
If not checking bags, I take a cheap pair of safety scissors and hope for the best.
Washi Tape
I save plastic tubes from tape sets for travel.
I choose a strategic color palette for each trip to match paper, tape, stickers, and embellishments.
Mini Photo Printer with Extra Film
I own several mini printers and pick the one best suited for the trip:
Polaroid Mini for cruises (sunny/well-lit shots).
Canon Selphy for road trips (space flexibility, best pictures).
Instax for indoor trips (e.g., family visits).
I always travel with plenty of film in my carry-on to avoid temperature changes.
Stickers
I use stickers because they are easy to work with, inexpensive, and weather well on international mail.
My themes include clocks, interesting people, tarot cards, suns, moons & stars, flowers, hot air balloons, and space-related items.
I also collect stickers from sightseeing locations.
Black Staz-On or Versafine Ink Pad
I don't stamp much on the road due to movement but do stamp in hotels.
I need an ink pad that withstands dampness and dries quickly.
Letter, Number, and Date Stamps
I use rubber stamps for dates in my journals.
I travel with only the days of the week and month stamps needed for the trip.
I prefer sets in small wooden boxes from Temu.
Postage Stamps
I always carry US postage, even for short trips.
I create mail art in airports or buy postcards to send later.
Double-Sided Tape (Various Sizes)
I love double-sided tape for ensuring washi tape stays on my projects.
I use white-line tape from Amazon in super fine, medium, and super wide sizes.
6 x 6 Scrapbook Paper
This size fits into my small pouches.
I coordinate the paper with my washi tape.
I reinforce flimsy postcard paper with scrapbook paper.
Word Stickers
I carry inspirational phrase stickers (black and white, multicolor).
I prefer Amazon for better translations.
I include dictionary definition stickers relevant to the trip.
Number and Letter Stickers
I use these on train trips instead of rubber stamps.
I buy them from Temu for affordability.
Correction Tape
Mini versions from Temu are best for postcards and journals.
Postcards
I bring several postcards, including blank watercolor ones for custom designs.
I attach printed pictures and collages from travel finds.
Dymo Label Maker with Extra Cartridges
I use it for various labeling needs despite its bulkiness.
Heavy Duty Glue Stick
I prefer Elmer Heavy Duty sticks for mail art.
I use Judykins for high-quality glue if needed.
Diamond Glaze Adhesive by Judykins
I recently found a 10 ml bottle on Amazon, perfect for travel.
Post-It Notes (Various Sizes)
I use these to capture thoughts for multiple journals.
I also use them for reminders in my work journal and planner.
Sharpie Ballpoint Pens
Ideal for writing postcards without smudging.
Super-fine felt tip pens for small writing.
Paper Mate Ink Joy Gel Pens (Multiple Colors)
Bright and cheerful colors for my art journal.
I travel with a variety of colors.
All of these items fit into three separate makeup bags. One bag contains supplies I might use while sitting in the airport or a restaurant. This bag goes into my purse and always includes my mini printer, postage, a baggie of stickers, the ink pad, and rubber stamps. I also like to carry a snack baggie of washi tape, which holds 9 small rolls perfectly. I bought the purse-sized makeup pouch on Amazon: Tbestmax 10 Pack Clear Cosmetic Bags. I actually carry two of these in my travel purse. One holds art supplies, and the other holds all the other essentials like ChapStick, wallet, sunglasses, post-it notes, earbuds, watch charger, small notebook, pill case, sunblock, Advil, etc. I use a well-worn navy blue leather bag that is a bit larger than a typical purse—more like a work bag. It easily fits a laptop, so it can handle these two makeup pouches. (I have to maximize my carry-on space.)
The other two art supply bags go in the bottom of my suitcase. I prefer this set: PACKISM Clear Makeup Bags. They pack down wonderfully, and because they are fabric instead of plastic, I don’t worry about them ripping like the other set. I strongly recommend the clear versions of these bags so that you don’t have to dig around to find things. You can pick them up and turn them around until you spot the item you want. Also, the clear bags make it easier for security to see what you have without having to dump everything out. Remember, scissors should always be packed in your carry-on bag.
When I travel for business, my laptop roller bag is usually full of work stuff. In that case, the only art item I can fit in the roller bag is the label maker and maybe the art pouch from my purse, which helps keep my shoulder bag from getting too heavy. If I’m driving or traveling for pleasure, my laptop bag becomes all about art supplies, and all the pouches go in there. The roller bag is small enough to fit under most airline seats, making it perfect for road trips as well.
I’d love to hear whether any of you travel with art supplies and, if so, what do you pack and how?!?
