Create Unique Wall Art with Your Photos

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 03/01/2020

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 painters 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.

For more fun ways to love the home you live in, follow our blog.

About the Author
Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”