Better Homes & Gardens
Anticipating the resurgence of magazine collaging as a popular adult hobby in 2025, we introduce a new twist for the upcoming vacation season: creating a dream vacation collage. This engaging and mindful activity allows you to unleash your creativity in a relaxed manner, resulting in a meaningful piece of art to adorn your space. Similar to a vision board, having a collage that reflects your ideal vacation can serve as a motivating reminder to take the necessary steps to turn that dream into a reality.
If you’re keen on giving it a try, here are three essential steps to guide you in crafting a personalized artwork inspired by your dream getaway:
Meet Our Expert
Siobhan Alvarez-Borland, a lifestyle and DIY guru and the mastermind behind the beloved family and lifestyle blog Mimosas and Motherhood, will be sharing her insights.
1. Select Your Medium
Begin by choosing the medium for your collage. While traditional paper and glue are classic options, consider exploring digital collaging for a modern twist. Digital collaging is user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for beginners and those who prefer a tech-savvy approach. However, if you enjoy the hands-on experience of crafting, opt for physical collaging using paper and other materials.
For digital collaging, various free online tools like Canva and sources like Google, Unsplash, and Pexels can help kickstart your project. For physical collaging, gather supplies such as thick cardstock, glue, and a variety of images that resonate with your dream vacation theme.
2. Gather Your Materials
When crafting a physical collage, gather your chosen materials like sturdy base materials and adhesive. Alvarez-Borland suggests using card stock, poster board, or canvas board as a base and traditional glue or Mod Podge for securing your elements. Collect vacation-inspired images from magazines, Pinterest, or other sources, ensuring they align with the essence of your dream trip.
“Start by collecting images that evoke the essence of your dream journey—be it serene beach sunsets, cozy mountain retreats, bustling city streets… anything that stirs your wanderlust,” advises Alvarez-Borland. Feel free to incorporate textures such as tissue paper, maps, or ticket stubs for added depth.
3. Begin Designing
Once you have all your materials in place, begin arranging them to design your collage. Take your time to experiment with different layouts before committing to gluing everything down. Embrace the creative process and allow your vision to come to life through your unique collage masterpiece.
Inners, the advice is simple: don’t overthink it—just start cutting and experimenting with layouts,” suggests Alvarez-Borland. Enjoy exploring textures, shapes, and colors in different arrangements until you find a look that you love. Whether your goal is to create a realistic scene or recreate a famous landmark using unique photos and textures, focus on unleashing your creativity rather than aiming for perfection. If you’re struggling with the design, seek inspiration from platforms like Pinterest or TikTok.
After finalizing your design, secure everything in place with Mod Podge or glue, allow it to dry, and then frame it beautifully,” advises Alvarez-Borland. “This creates instant, meaningful wall art that serves as a daily inspiration to dream big.” Visit Better Homes & Gardens for the complete article.
