2023: Upward Bound Trip – NYC Metro/Subway
In many of my trip albums, I often find myself with pictures or ephemera that don’t fit neatly into a chronological timeline but still feel essential to include. This spread is a perfect example, featuring photos from various subway trips we took and a collection of MetroCards. While the images and tickets come from different moments, they come together to tell a cohesive story about our adventures on the NYC Metro.
The NYC Metro, officially known as the New York City Subway, is one of the largest and most iconic urban transit systems in the world. Operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), it connects all five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—with an extensive network of 472 stations and over 665 miles of track. Operating 24/7, it’s not just a mode of transportation but a vibrant symbol of the city’s energy, diversity, and connectivity.
I had so much fun creating this spread! The highlight is the small image of the end of a subway train on the right-hand page. I found this image online and used my Cricut Maker to draw it with the pen feature. Then, I got creative with the left page by expanding the same image into a cut 11 1/2-inch block. Using Cricut Design Space, I carefully measured and cut the design so I could place photos behind the train’s windows and doors. The result? A peek into our subway ride that feels like you’re looking into the train itself! I love how it turned out, though the precise measuring to align the photos with the cutouts was a challenge—so be prepared to plan carefully if you try something similar.
For the right-hand page, I used a subway map-themed background paper in gray, which set the tone for the entire spread. I added pictures of us on the train and riding the escalator out of the station, alongside a few of my MetroCards as embellishments. The cohesive gray palette ties the pages together and makes the photos and ephemera pop. This spread truly captures the essence of our subway adventures, and I’m so glad I took the time to bring all these memories into one place.
To watch the development of this spread please click on the video below:
Categories: 2023, Upward Bound Trip 2023
MASCrapping 