Crop n Punch: Decoupage Craft with Photographs

A fun and simple craft to do with all the hundreds of photos you've taken is to create a decoupaged treasure using them.

These make wonderful keepsake gifts that are very personalized. I've recently made several, however, I didn't think to take any pictures of them before I gave them as gifts (duh!) so now I can't show you what I'm talking about. You will just have to use your imagination.

Below I will give you the steps and a few tips on creating a work of art.

Supplies Needed:

~ Item to be decorated

~ printer paper/photo paper to print photos one

~ scrapbook paper sheets (if you wish to include personalization such as names, poems, personal message, etc.)

~ Mod Podge glue

~ sponge brush

~ misc accessories to use as embellishments if desired

First, select the item that you would like to cover. You can choose just about anything to decoupage so get creative and look around to see what you may already have in your possession. I've chosen to purchase small boxes or tins that are already finished and have decoupaged only the front, top or portions. You can easily cover an entire item if you choose.

Next choose your pictures and print them. I've found that by selecting a large number and using multiple sizes and shapes, it add variety. The more the better. Print more than you expect to use as you may discover that you underestimated how many it would take to cover the item. Printing on either regular printing paper or thin photo paper works best. Depending on the program you use, you should be able to put many pictures on one sheet of paper as to not waste.

Now, cut out all of those photos. Be cautious to trim close enough that you do not have any white around the edges. Place them all face up so that you can see each one.

Layout the photos on your item to get a good idea of placement, number of photos needed, etc. If you want to personalize your gift, now is the time to print your message onto the scrapbook paper sheet and cut to size. It is almost impossible to layout every photo perfectly so for now, just get a good idea in mind of how you want them and placement. Decide if you want them to be all straight up and down or some straight and some diagonal. (One important thing I discovered, you really can't mess up. You can always trim, cover, etc. to make them fit the way you want.)

Now for the fun! Using your sponge brush, coat the item (or portion of it depending on the size) with the glue. Then begin on the outside edge and start laying out your photos. Press them gently so they are adhered to the glue. Do not be surprised to see the edges begin to stand up and not lay flat, this will be corrected later. Be sure to over lap the photo or touching edge to edge depending on our preference.

Mod Podge over the top of the photos. Keep brush strokes even and use a fair amount of the glue to cover. You can gently press the photos down with the brush but they will typically flatten out as they dry. Even if they do not all flatten, it adds to the texture of the item. Remember what I said...you really can not mess up!

Continue to sponge the glue, lay photos and stroke over until the entire item or the amount you desire is covered. You can go back and add more photos if you see that you have gaps or spaces. Your ink will run some but it adds to the look and color of the item so don't worry about it. If you are covering an entire piece, complete one side at a time and allow to dry before continuing.

Take notice of your edges. With the glue on top of the pictures, it softens the paper so that you easily form them over the edges and then add more glue.

Allow to dry. Mod Podge only take about 15-30 minutes to dry enough to add another coat. You will be able to tell when the white has turned clear. You can let it sit for several hours if you prefer but I do recommend going back over it with another coat or two. NOTE - the more coats, the thicker and more texture it will have.

Now add your embellishments. I've found that if using a box that had definite edges, it works best to add an outline of decorative string, yarn or some other edging gives it a finished appeal. You can use hot glue or craft glue for this final touch. If nothing else, use a little of the Mod Podge and allow to dry.

Allow to dry completely. If possible, allow to dry overnight before giving as a gift or using. If you see that more is needed, you can always go back and add more photos/glue/embellishments at this time.

Enjoy!

I sure hope you have as much fun decoupaging with your photographs as I have. If you have any questions, please feel free to post in the comment section below. Most important is to remember to HAVE FUN!

Bit by the Shutter Bug,

Debbi