Unique Photo Crafts and Recycled Art

Some of us are overwhelmed by our boxes of photographs and need a little motivation to organize our photo memories, either in photo albums, photo montage, scrapbooks or burned to disk. If you try to keep it simple, the task of organizing photos can be a wonderful trip down memory lane. Grab your kids or significant other and don't forget the kleenex.

So where do you begin to organize your photo memories?
Well, it's kind of like cleaning your closet. Gather enough small boxes and label them accordingly. Past, present, kids, family, pets,vacations etc,. you get the picture. This holds true for digital photos, as well, if you haven't been putting them in desktop folders on your harddrive, on a disk, or in a gallery format yet, start small. It doesn't have to be daunting task.

KISS "Keep it simple sweetie."

Photo Craft materials to gather:

1. Wood or metal box with a lid, hinged or separate. Photo Craft tip: Size of the box is a personal choice, gear it to how many images you want to use. Also be aware to measure and cut around hinges and hardware to create on a flat surface.

Once you have selected your box, you can measure and cut a piece of paper to fit the top and each side. Remember, trace around any hardware for a flat fit. Or if you're a seasoned crafter you can do it free style without a template.

PHOTO CRAFT FYI: If you want to paint your Photo Memory Box before applying photos, now is the time to do that. Make sure to let it dry overnight.

2. Make photocopies of your photos.

Photo Craft tip Ink jet copies of photos or computer-generated images will smear when using glue or Mod Podge, take these to your local printer to have them copied before starting photo projects.

3. Arrange and/or cut copies of your photos, as you would like them to appear on the Photo Memory Box. You can either arrange them on the paper template or lay them out to glue directly onto the Photo Memory Box.

4. Apply Mod Podge, (either gloss or flat your choice) with a foam brush, to the box and the back of the photocopies or paper template.

5. Smooth images in place with the foam brush or your fingers. Be careful not to fuss to much. Let it set a spell.

6. Now apply Mod Podge with a foam brush over all of the images to seal.

Photo Craft tip: Add as many coats of Mod Podge, as you feel is necessary, to achieve the effect you are looking for. Allow piece to dry overnight. Spray with a clear sealer, again gloss or flat, your choice.

Now...if you don't want to get your hands dirty...join Cafepress and create a box there...it's easy to do and you'll love the result. FYI...images that are uploaded should be adjusted prior to using in Cafepress so that your images don't come back to dark...sometimes happens.