The Study

People often say to me "Master Watson, you handsome dog, your study is quite impressive.  How might one acquire such a room in one's own abode?"  Well, dear reader, here are a few simple and cheap projects you can do yourself to add a little extra "TALLY HO" to your adventure themed room.

Hide Shield and Spears

Begin by cutting your shield out of cardboard and cover it in scraps of paper towels using glue, which gives it a nice texture.  Paint it, age it, done!  The spear heads are made by sandwiching two sheets of craft foam around a paper dowel to give it shape.  Sand the edges to a point, stiffen with glue and paint.  Lastly, get yourself a couple lengths of bamboo and attach your spear heads with twine.


 Pin Display

These little plaques are sold at Joann's for a just couple dollars.  Stain or paint and press your favorite Disney pin into the wood.


Stone Artifacts

You're going to need some artifacts if you're into that "grave robber" look.  Foam carving is easy and fun, it just takes some practice.  Cut your foam with blades or hot knives (CAUTION: melting foam gives off nasty fumes so wear proper PPE).  Coat the final project in several coats of Drylok to harden it and create stone texture.  Paint it up!  The more color variations and weathering you do the better old stone will look.  Replicate something from history for authenticity or design your own lost civilization!


Crates

Nothing says "I just returned from expedition" like a wooden crate!  Get some wood planks, nails and go to town.  This one was made from reclaimed pallet wood so no weathering was required.  Add interesting details about the contents or sender/receiver with stencils and spray paint.  Or print up shipping labels and glue them on.


Trunks 

Keep your eye out at Goodwill for cheap trunks.  Pick an exotic animal pattern (such as the majestic stripy horse as pictured above) and paint it on.  Scour the internet for pictures of travel stickers, print your favorites and 'em glue on.  Add airline or train tags for extra detail.


Oars with Character

Find an old oar (also Goodwill) and make it tell a story.  This one says: "I'm never getting back in the water because piranhas."


Cork Board of Adventure

Print and hang old photos, advertisements, post cards, and various historic communications.  I myself find it satisfying to create notes that imply that I was involved with events referenced in books/games/movies.


There you have it!  Your well on your way to being perceived as well traveled!