Old family photos and collages are popular subjects for scrap bookers and crafty people. Here is a fun combination that can be used as a gift.
Are you looking for a way to show off an old family photo? Want to dress-up a photo as a gift? Try these mini-memory collages with micro glass beads. These delightful collages can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish and can be created using a variety of surfaces. It works best to have a surface with an edge like a picture frame or shallow box or, as in this example, an old make-up compact.
Supplies
- collage elements (photo, sheet music or page of text, vellum or foil stickers, 3-D embellishments)
- glue or spray adhesive
- double-sided tape
- micro glass beads
- picture frame, shallow container, or some other similar item to frame the collage
Instructions
- First, design your collage layout. Do not forget to include the 3-D elements in the layout if you plan on including them in the finished project.
- Once you have your design laid out, glue together the paper elements of the collage. and cut them to fit the opening you intend to place them in.
- Sandwich the collage between two layers of double-sided tape. Be careful to make sure that the edges of the tape fits together seamlessly. Trim tape to the edges of the collage.
- Remove the backing for the tape that is on the reverse side of the collage and adhere the collage to the mounting surface. Press firmly.
- Remove the backing tape from the front of the collage. If you are putting the collage into a picture frame, do it now.
- Add any three-dimensional elements you want to incorporate into the collage at this time. Make sure to press them firmly into the double-sided tape.
- Sprinkle the collage with micro glass beads. Make sure to thoroughly coat the entire surface. Shake off excess beads.
Helpful hints
- If using a picture frame, it is easier to use frames where you put the image directly in the back rather than sliding it into the frame. While it is possible to slide them into the frame, it is difficult, as the tape tends to stick.
- Remember that if you want important words to be visible in the image make sure that they are large and clear. Small text is obscured by the beads and becomes background pattern for the image and not part of the meaning.
- Vellum or metallic stickers make great embellishments in many collages.
- When working with micro glass beads work over a large bowl or tray to confine the mess. A funnel is also helpful for putting the unused beads back into the container.
- Read the instructions for the tape. Some tape must be a certain temperature to work effectively. If necessary, warm the completed collage with a blow dryer to aid the curing of the tape.
For another creative way to use old family photos, try making a Scrabble Memory Collage/Easel.
The copyright of the article Mini-Memory Collages in Scrapbooking & Paper Crafts is owned by Melissa Howard. Permission to republish Mini-Memory Collages in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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