For the time being, characters in the parks are not signing autographs. But when traditional meet and greets return, I think there’s a lot of room for creativity! Autograph books are wonderful souvenirs – they’re a special collection of characters from all different worlds. But honestly, how often do we go back and revisit them? At least for me, they always found their way onto a bookshelf and were out of sight, out of mind.
So I started thinking through some different ways to collect autographs, especially methods that allow you to display them in your home. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.
Frames or Canvas
This is an easy one! Paint a wood frame in whatever color you like. I got this one for a few dollars at Michaels. Then have characters sign it throughout the day, and add in a photo from your trip! Alternatively, you could bring a mat for a nicer frame, and have characters sign the mat. Or if you don’t want a picture from your trip (or feel ambitious), you could also bring a small canvas for autographs.
You can find my guide for this easy DIY here.
Letters or Words
This one is great for a shelf, or even to nail onto the wall. Pick just one letter or even spell out a whole phrase and slowly build it over the course of a few trips! Some tips I found from my trial and error here.
Ceramics
If you’re comfortable with a slightly more involved DIY project (and carrying something breakable in the parks!), you can even expand your autographs into your kitchen. Have characters sign anything ceramic – a mug, a plate, etc. using an oil-based sharpie or marker. Be careful to hold your item without touching the marker, so that it doesn’t smudge. I’d recommend putting it in a tupperware container so it’s not bumping against anything in your bag.
Once you get home, bake your item at 350 degrees for 20 minutes to set the paint, and let cool completely. Always hand wash the item going forward to keep the autographs looking sharp!
Source: Living Well Spending Less
Clothing
Why not wear your autograph collection? Characters will happily sign tee shirts, skirts, hats, even shoes! Depending on your item, you may want to add a protective wax coating or use fabric markers. Or, you can just display the item without wearing it on a daily basis.
Source: Touring Plans
Fabric
And finally, you can build your autographs into something completely new! Have each character sign a small piece of fabric (make sure to use fabric marker, not just regular old sharpies), and sew them together. You could make a quilt, any type of clothing, a pillowcase, a table runner…honestly, your imagination is the limit.
Source: Tips from the Disney Diva