Building Beautiful Wall Art with Your Photos

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

With so many pictures stored away on digital devices, we forget how enjoyable images of children, friends and memorable experiences in our living space can be.

Selecting several of your more meaningful photos for a photo showcase adds character to your home and demonstrates that you value family, connection and staying active.

On top of that, those photos will get a lot more views than they would on Instagram. And they’ll inspire you to create new memories. Check out these useful ways to create beautiful wall art with photos.

Build Your Own Frames

Yes, you can create your own frames. And it’s easier than you might think. Doing it yourself opens up a world of possibilities. Choose any colors, mediums, shapes or designs.

1. Select your materials. We could create a typical wooden frame here. But why not think outside the box? Use driftwood, pine cones, bark or re-purposed materials from old furniture or industrial machinery. Scavenge for ideas to settle on a theme that works well with your decor.
2. Measure dimensions for the frame. Don’t forget to leave some room for a mat.
3. Cut your frame to size with wood saw, hacksaw or scissors, depending on the material. Don’t forget to put on your eye protection.
4. Paint before assembling. If you plan to paint the materials, do so before putting things together. It will be easier to get into all the crevices and off areas that you want a different color.
5. Assemble your frame. Place the glass over the photo to protect it or leave it open. For safety, you’ll probably want to head down to a crafts store to find the right size versus trying to make it yourself.

Utilize Canvas Like the Pros

A canvas gives any photo display a fun and unforgettable backdrop. The art becomes your free-form frame on which you can pin pictures, trinkets and other items.

You don’t have to be Monet to decorate a canvas. Instead, try these fun techniques. But before you start, lay out some plastic. This can get messy.

Stencils & Painter’s Tape

Use painter’s tape to create straight lines across your canvas. Or consider creating other shapes by taping construction paper cut-outs, stencils, leaves or other items to board. Then paint over them and remove the items.

Sponges & Color

Get a bunch of sponges and bowls of paint. Soak up the paints with the sponges. Then express yourself. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can use neutral tones that go with your decor. Or create your canvas with pops of color that people notice from across the room.

After your canvas dries, add photos at various angles for a playful look. Or measure and evenly space the images, creating a more traditional appearance.