Step-By-Step Guide For Creating Collages and Other Unique Picture Frames

So you want to make a collage or perhaps you are interested in creating a unique shadow box to hold your valuable photographs and memorabilia. No problem! Whether you want to create lasting memories using cheap picture frames, discount picture frames or even wholesale picture frames, here are some pointers for creating lasting memories right the first time every time.

Collage Picture Frames

Collage picture frames are useful for creating lasting memories of a moment in time. Whether you want to create a lasting imprint of your wedding day, vacation or graduation, collages are the best way to go. Here are some steps to follow to make sure you create a collage you are pleased with:

  • Decide where you want your collage. Make sure you measure the space you have available for your frame. You don't want to buy a frame that is too small or large for the space.

  • Select the photographs you want to use for your collage. Remember they should vary in size and shape.

  • Review the types of collage picture frames available. Look for one that allows one or two large photographs and several small ones. Alternatively you may select a collage with three or four cutouts of equal size and shape.

  • Lay out your pictures according to size. Measure them against the frame you have available. Crop any pictures you need to so they fit correctly in the frame.

  • Now measure the wall space to decide where exactly you want your collage. Measure the corners of the frame from the ends of the wall so you can line up your frame evenly.

  • If using a lighter frame, nail wall hooks into the wall based on your measurements. If hanging a heavy frame, use nails to hang your frame.

  • Hang your picture!

    • Remember when making a collage the texture, color and feel of the background paint are just as important as the picture itself. You might consider painting the wall you plan to hang your collage on. Alternatively you may select a frame color and style that matches the current wall surface.

    Shadow Box Tips

    The most important consideration when setting up a shadow box is deciding the right frame to complement the items you plan to frame. Shadow boxes come in a couple of different varieties. Some have shallow frames. These are usually good for displaying coin collections or award ribbons. Most of these are only up to 1/2 inch deep.

    Traditional shadow boxes are about 4 inches deep. You can place virtually any item in these boxes. They help set off the object inside creating a more intense and three-dimensional image. When setting your image in a shadow box, you should use double sided tape or glue to keep the object in its place. If you plan to place a heavy object in a shadow box, you can use a substance called epoxy or caulking. Usually if you do this you will have to let the object dry for several hours.

    Occasionally you may be able to sew the object you want to display into the back of your shadow box. This is the case with a baseball for example. You can also buy some Velcro to attach soft articles to your shadow box. Remember shadow boxes are often used for hanging or displaying objects other than pictures. You can still put your favorite photos in them with a little double-sided tape. Wedding and baby memorabilia look amazing arranged in these multi purpose boxes.

    As with any picture frame, you should take time to measure the items you want to display. This will help you decide the right style and size of shadow box. If you want to display thick objects be sure you get a traditional style box rather than a shallow one. As with any decorating, be sure you have your picture framing supplies handy before mounting any pictures.

    You don't have to hang shadow boxes for them to look great. Most shadow boxes rest easily on a nightstand, in a display case or on a hutch or available counter. Consider buying one or two shadow boxes to complement other decorative pieces in your home like digital picture frames or magnetic picture frames. The biggest mistake people make is trying to cram too many objects in their displays. When it comes to making a shadow box, less is usually better!

    About The Author:
    Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as picture frames, picture framing supplies, and wholesale picture frames.

    More Resources

    Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

    More Crafts-Hobbies Information:

    Related Articles

    Roasting Your Own Coffee - A Hobby You Can Love
    There is nothing like a cup of coffee that has been freshly roasted, ground and brewed to perfection. There are a growing number of enthusiasts who are roasting their own coffee beans and enjoying the benefits of truly fresh coffee at about one-third of the price of beans from your local coffee shop.
    Gourd Enthusiasm Growing Around the World
    Gourds played an essential role in the daily life of early cultures. Commonly used as containers and vessels, they were also used for musical instruments.
    The Wonderful Art of Bonsai
    The potential for enjoyment of Bonsai trees is enormous. These are the dwarf-sized trees that have been developed in the Asian countries of China and Japan for many hundreds of years.
    How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home or Work
    It looks like a million dollars but after a couple of months it doesn't have the same 'Sparkle' or look it once had (a bit like me really).So what are we to do?The first thing is to make sure it is SAFE to be cleaned!Naturally, delicate items should be best left to a professional Jeweler to clean.
    Aromatherapy Candles - How to Select the Right Scent
    Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as simple as an aromatherapy candle could help you relax and feel happier. But not all scented candles have this effect.
    Easy Origami
    Starting outOrigami is an art of paper folding, therefore all you should need is a piece of paper and you can start folding away without any problems, right? Well, almost. You might need a few other things that we will talk about in this chapter.
    Antiques - The Modern Day Treasure Hunt
    In today's world, everything that's old can be described as antiques and generally speaking that's quite true. A product is considered to be an antique if it is over a hundred years old or is rare enough to have some value.
    Organize That Stash!
    Do you control your stash or does it control you? I have become the master of my stash. When my husband found out that his sock drawer had become yet another place for cross stitch supplies, it was either get it under control or end up in divorce court.
    Comic Book Collecting, Oh What An Enjoyable Past Time It Is!
    Have you ever read a comic book before? I imagine just about everyone, at some time in their life, has read at least one comic book. But do your interests and enjoyment level go beyond that? You may have said to yourself, at sometime or another, I would like to start a comic book collection some day.
    4 Fun Ways to Display Photos
    From baby pictures to vacation pictures, images of family and friends are treasures that are kept for a lifetime. They make great gifts and add cheer and warmth to the interiors of our homes.
    Molding Leather Armor
    In order to mould leather armor, soak it in water until it becomes pliable and soft. Then place it in the mould until it dries and hardens.
    Rubber Stamps - For Teachers and Students
    Once again we are reminded that summer is not long enough. It is the beginning of another back to school shopping season.
    Starting Your Own Scrapbook Club
    Before I discovered the world of scrapbooking, I was inexplicably drawn to my local office supply store. I loved to stand in an aisle surrounded by the different colors of copy paper.
    Decorative Metal Work Techniques From The Early 1900s
    Today's Metal Craft workers should truly appreciate the artistic skills & techniques used exclusively by the highly skilled metal artisans from almost one hundred years ago.Decorative metalworking is undergoing a new renaissance as more &more people become involved in hobby metal craft.
    Is There Money To Be Made In Depression Glass
    You've seen the shows on television. You've watched theauctions online.
    PE-Design Embroidery Digitizing Software: Getting Started
    This article is in response to the emails I receive from my website asking for my thoughts on PE-Design. If you are considering purchasing embridery digitizing programs, I hope this information will help your research.
    Security Advice for Gold Jewelry, Diamonds, and Gemstones
    For you to enjoy your treasures, they need to be somewhere close and accessible, but NOT in the Bedside Jewelry Box.Although we DO advise a Jewelry Box on the Dresser and easily seen, BUT ONE CONTAINING SEVERAL PIECES OF JUNK JEWELRY.
    The Choice Between Electric or Nitro Powered RC Cars Can be Overwhelming!
    The roar of the crowd as the cars rush by, the sense of excitement in the air. Is it the Indy 500? No, it is RC racing! RC racing, or remote control racing also known as radio control, is a quickly growing hobby segment that appeals to both young and old, and men and women.
    Easy Crafts for Kids - Help with Learning
    According to the research on child cognitive development, making use of basic easy crafts for kids can stimulate their mental growth and enhance the learning process. Since early times, mankind has always known that early crafts for kids taught some important lessons.
    Treasure Hunting - Part Two
    Treasure hunting begins at home. People regularly find famous old books and valuable antiques in their attics, so get up there and look.
    >