An RV is essentially a home on wheels, so it makes sense to want to bring the comforts of home on the road. Crafting in an RV is a great way to spend downtime during your travels and bring life to your environment. DIY crafting is an incredibly rewarding hobby for functionalists and enthusiasts alike. In this article, you will learn key tips and tricks for staying creative on the road.

Why Crafting in an RV is the Perfect Hobby

Crafting during RV travels is a great way to stay creative and productive during free time. Arts and crafts projects are beneficial in many ways. This hobby can be relaxing, stimulating, and rewarding. Crafting in an RV is also a great way to keep kids engaged, celebrate holidays and commemorate occasions, and decorate your home-on-wheels to suit your taste.

RV life complements a creative lifestyle well, as RVing requires a certain level of self-sufficiency. Many RVers possess a passion for DIY and a can-do attitude, making crafting an appealing pastime. When stationary, there is always some downtime to dedicate to creative endeavors. The flexibility of RV living allows crafting enthusiasts to connect with other creators in various locations.  Traveling offers endless inspiration, and crafting on the road provides the opportunity to add a personal touch to the travel experience.

Choosing the Best Crafts for RV Living

When it comes to crafting in an RV, it is important to consider which crafts are best suited to a nomadic lifestyle. Firstly, determine which types of supplies—and how much—can be easily accommodated in an RV. Choose materials that are space-efficient and easy to store. Some of the best types of crafts for small spaces include knitting, painting, beading, and vinyl cutting.

Some crafting materials travel better than others. Transporting multiple large canvases and an easel may be a bit impractical for the RV lifestyle. Consider looking into basic craft kits and supplies ideal for travel. These kits come with various items, such as sewing supplies, cardstock, markers, scissors, and other basic materials. When comparing kits, review the item description for size and dimensions. Craft kits can offer a wide-ranging variety of contents, so tailor your search to your interests!

For people who may be new to crafting, deciding where to start may feel overwhelming. Before planning any purchases, check out online resources such as Pinterest for inspiration. Some great ideas for crafting in an RV include making postcards, scrapbooking, wood engraving, flower pressing, and Cricut making.

Organizing Your Craft Supplies in a Small Space

Crafting in an RV requires creative storage solutions. Keep your space clear and safe during travel by investing in a convenient storage bin that can easily be stored beneath or within furniture. Bins with compartments are a great option for easy access. For loose items, consider separating them into smaller containers within the storage bin.

For keeping supplies accessible and organized, create a portable crafting station that can easily be stowed during periods of travel and unuse. For example, fold-out tables and lap desks are suitable for crafting in an RV. You will want a comfortable, convenient area to create without taking up too much limited space.

Get Inspired: Crafting Ideas for RV Travelers

For those who enjoy a constant flow of projects, making seasonal or themed crafts helps keep you creative. For example, wreaths are welcoming pieces of décor that help add spirit to your home-on-wheels. Although they can be time-consuming, the construction is fairly simple. Materials include a circular metal wire frame, hot glue, twine, and whatever material you want to use to create the wreath. Faux flowers, leaves, berries, and ribbons are excellent choices and easy to work with.

Crafting in an RV sometimes involves drawing inspiration from your travels. To incorporate travel memories into your crafts, consider including journal entries in a scrapbook. Take photos with a Polaroid or Instax camera for portability and convenience—just tape the pictures right in! Make a flower press to work local flora into your scrapbook. Here are some other travel-inspired craft ideas:

• Pressed flower bookmark
• Pinecone ornament
• Roadmap coasters
• Postcards
• Sand and seashell ornament
• Memorabilia shadowbox

Crafting with Limited Resources: Creativity Without a Craft Store

Out on the road, visiting a craft store is likely an unrealistic goal. Besides, you want to focus on your trip! Here are our tips for sourcing accessible, low-budget craft supplies when you’re far from stores:

Crafting with natural materials is a creative way to memorialize RV adventures without depending on a nearby craft supply store. A wide range of crafts can make use of items like twigs, pinecones, leaves, flowers, and rocks. Additionally, utilizing natural materials is an engaging way for kids to interact with nature. Some ideas include pinecone owls, decorated walking sticks, painted rocks, and pressed flowers.

When incorporating natural elements in a project, be conscious of use. Consider leave no trace principles and keep in mind that National Parks do not allow the removal of any natural material.

Upcycling and repurposing materials found in your RV is a creative solution for crafting in an RV. Everyday objects like paper towels, tape, and scissors can serve multiple purposes. Common craft materials can include cotton balls, Q-tips, toiler paper rolls, and even charcoal from the fire pit—just make sure it’s completely cool first!

Another tip for crafting with limited resources is connecting with online communities. Forums provide a space for crafters to share creations, exchange advice, and provide inspiration for future projects. The internet is a great resource for the creatively inclined.

Crafting with Kids in an RV

For family trips, crafts are excellent for keeping kids entertained. Consider preparing supplies for kid-friendly crafts that are fun and (relatively) mess-free. Creativity is important for developing minds, and kids feel accomplished after learning a new skill! Additionally, crafts the incorporate travel experiences can be an educational opportunity. Here are some simple craft ideas for kids:

Decorated Hiking Stick

Materials:

• Large, sturdy stick
• Carving knife
• Sandpaper
• Multicolored yarn OR acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Scissors
• Beads (optional)
• Customize with other natural materials!

How to Make It: This interactive project will excite kids by encouraging them to explore nearby woods for the perfect stick. Just keep an eye on them! After locating a solid stick of about chest height, a responsible adult will be tasked with stripping bark with a carving knife. Then, have the kids sand down the surface of the stick until smooth enough to apply yarn or paint. If applying paint or varnish, allow adequate drying time. If you happen to have a drill and some paracord or leather strips, you can fashion a wrist strap for your young traveler. Modify the steps as needed.

Nature Journal

Materials:

• Construction paper
• Copy paper
• Yarn or twine
• Hole punch
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Dried natural materials (Leaves, flowers)

How To Make It: Nature journals allow kids to connect with the outdoors and preserve their discoveries while traveling. Creating one enhances observation skills, curiosity, artistic and writing abilities, and environmental awareness. To make a journal, fold several sheets of paper and a construction paper cover, punch holes along the crease, and tie them together with yarn. They can also glue leaves, feathers, or photos into the journal for decoration. Encourage kids to record their observations and create illustrations of plants, insects, and animals.

Pinecone Bird Feeder

Materials:

• Pinecone
• Peanut butter
• Birdseed
• String

How To Make It: This simple project is perfect for aspiring birdwatchers of any age. Accompany your kids while gathering pinecones. On a paper plate or similar surface, hold the pinecone in one hand and spread the peanut butter with the other. Shake some birdseed over the pinecone while rotating it for even coverage. Tie a string to the end of the pinecone, tie it to a nearby tree, then wait for your feathered friends to arrive.

Embracing the Joy of Crafting in an RV

Whether you’re a hardcore DIY enthusiast or a parent providing entertainment for your kids, crafting in an RV can greatly enhance your RV lifestyle. Now that we’ve got you started with some advice and ideas, it’s time to carry on crafting. The freedom and flexibility of RV life offers the ability to balance travel and creative endeavors. Feeling inspired? Subscribe to our blog posts for more RV tips and tricks!