Create a Family Photo Wall

 Create a Family Photo Wall

The photo wall in my foyer was created using old family photos, pages from tattered family Bibles, newspaper clippings, and decorative art papers. This is an easy project. It would also make a great gift for those family members who have everything.

You will need:

1) Old Photos

2) Decorative art papers ( The Paper Source has a great selection)

3) Mod Podge and artist paint brush

4) Ikea or target frames

5) Standard copy paper (if you are using your own printer)

Start by going through old photos. They do not need to be in good condition or have backgrounds you like. Look for ones that have meaning, ones where the faces are clear or it captures a moment. The size of the photo is not important, most can be manipulated.
To use as an example,  I have chosen a picture of my mother when she was a child and one of her recipes for  Holiday Peppermint Punch (written in her hand).

Using your scanner at home or a copy machine at Kinkos, copy the photo. Then utilizing the simple photo adjustments offered on any computer (Photoshop is not necessary) or copy machine manipulate the photo until you have the right light, sharpness, and size.  I  made several different size copies of both my picture and recipe. Don't be afraid to play around to get the effect you want.

Next, cut out your image. Sometimes I am not sure what size will look best in my frame so I cut several different sizes and test them.

Now begin to play with the images. Try different art paper and arrangements. Once you have the arrangement figured out, lightly mark with a pencil where each piece goes.

I always try each arrangement with the mat and frame.

 Now, using Mod Podge applied with an artists paint brush, glue the images and papers together. If the Mod Podge is too thick just add a little water.

Voila! Personalized art. 

Here are a few more examples to get your creative juices flowing...

I find most of my decorative papers at The Paper Source http://www.paper-source.com/ but old dictionary pages, and newspaper pages work well too.

The corner photo holders (holding the small photo in the center) can be found at The Paper Source and Scrapbook.com,http://store.scrapbook.com/products/photo+corners.html . This arrangement is actually three different pictures: my mother, her parents, and the house where she grew up. Don't be afraid to combine images.

Most important - Make it your own style!