Creativity on the Go!
Whether you’re planning a trip away or just hoping to fit more creativity into your schedule, arts and crafts that are mobile are always super helpful.
Here are our go-to travel friendly hobbies and everything you need to get started!
Watercolour Plein Air Painting
One of our favourite creative mediums, watercolour painting is perfect for on-the-go artistry!
What you’ll need:
A watercolour sketchbook or sketchpad
A travel-friendly watercolour set
1–2 brushes (keep it simple!)
A cup for water — collapsible cups are great for travel and can easily be filled with bottled water or even sea water!
Limiting your palette and brushes is a fantastic way to stretch your creativity, encouraging you to explore and invent captivating new worlds with just a few tools.
Inspiration is everywhere — whether you’re painting bustling cityscapes, tranquil seascapes, or quiet countryside scenes. Using watercolours to capture your travels is not only a beautiful creative practice but also a heartfelt way to preserve memories that last a lifetime.
Drawing
Drawing is perhaps the most versatile and accessible form of travel art — you can do it almost anywhere!
What you’ll need:
A pencil or pen
A sketchbook
A sharpener
Notice we left out the eraser? That’s because sketching on the go is all about capturing the moment quickly and embracing imperfections. There’s no need to fuss over little mistakes — they’re part of the charm and energy of your work!
If sketching feels intimidating, remember that practice makes progress. Keep a sketchbook with you, and make a habit of drawing whenever inspiration strikes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your confidence and skills grow!
Junk Journaling
If you’ve never tried junk journaling, stop what you’re doing and give it a go — it’s pure creative magic!
To get started, all you need is:
Pens and/or pencils
A sketchbook or notebook
Scrap papers (collected junk like tickets and doodles from your travels)
Glue and/or tape
You can always add more tools as you go — stamps, stickers, or washi tape are perfect for adding extra charm to your pages. But start with the basics, especially if you’re taking your journal on a trip or out into the world.
Embroidery
Embroidery might be one of the more time-consuming crafts, but the results are so worth it — the finished pieces can be absolutely stunning!
If finding time for crafting feels tricky in your day-to-day life, why not take your embroidery along on a trip or even during your daily commute? Train rides, in particular, are the perfect opportunity to stitch away and unwind.
What you’ll need:
An embroidery hoop
Embroidery thread or floss
A needle
A pencil or chalk to sketch your design
Embroidery is incredibly versatile — you can customize clothing, create unique wall décor, or even stitch your own patches. So why not pack a small kit and give it a go on your next road trip, commute, or holiday adventure?
Cross Stitch
We like to think of cross-stitch as paint-by-numbers — only with thread! Once you’ve mastered a single simple stitch, you’re ready to create adorable, stitchy masterpieces.
Don’t feel like designing your own pattern? No problem! There are countless kits and patterns available online with easy-to-follow designs, making it simple to jump right in.
What you’ll need:
Aida cloth (the fabric used for cross-stitch)
Embroidery floss (in your chosen colours)
A needle
Snips or small scissors
A small hoop (to keep your fabric taut)
A pencil, chalk, or water-soluble pen for marking your design
Pack a compact cross-stitch kit and give it a go on your next road trip, commute, or quiet afternoon.
Knitting & Crochet
There’s something truly magical about turning creativity into something both beautiful and practical. Yarn-based crafts like knitting and crochet offer all that and more — the rhythmic, repetitive motions are incredibly soothing, providing the perfect dose of relaxation we could all use a little more of these days.
What you’ll need:
Yarn
Knitting needles or a crochet hook
A pattern to follow
With just a few materials, knitting and crochet are some of the most portable crafts out there. That said, keep in mind that while they start small, projects can grow quite large depending on what you’re making — so choose your pattern wisely if you’re on the go!
Film Photography
Traveling is the perfect opportunity to take photos — you’re exploring new places, experiencing fresh sights, and making memories. So why not capture it all in the most relaxing and intentional way possible: on film?
What you’ll need:
A film or Polaroid camera (disposable or reusable)
Extra film (if needed)
The magic of a film camera lies in its simplicity. Without the ability to instantly review your shots, you’re encouraged to stay present, soak in your surroundings, and embrace the unexpected. Half the joy comes later — when you develop your photos and discover the beautiful, often surprising moments you’ve captured.
Get creative with your shots! Play with light by using props like crystals or prisms to create unique refractions. Whether you’re documenting a special trip or adding a little magic to your everyday life, film photography is the perfect way to preserve memories and romanticize the world around you.
We love venturing out and discovering inspiration in new places, so having creative ways to capture those moments is essential. We hope you've found some fresh mediums that could be perfect for your next trip — or even something you can incorporate into your daily routine! Plus, putting together a little travel hobby kit is a fun DIY project in itself.
Wishing you safe and happy holidays!
We can't wait to see what you create and where your creativity takes you. Be sure to tag us in your creations on Instagram @houseofhobbyau!
Much love,
HOH xx
