by Lynette Crawford

Created on: January 30, 2009

Over the holidays several of the gifts I prepared used old photographs in scrapbooks and digital frames - each of these photo gifts was a shining star - everyone enjoyed laughing and reminiscing over the memories captured in those photographs. So I began thinking, there must be a way to incorporate those wonderful yesterday' prints (you know the ones - in those boxes at the back of the closet) into our today' lives so that we can take pleasure in those unforgettable moments over and over again.

So, inundated but undaunted by boxes of old photographs, the creative juices began flowing. The result was some budget friendly, hip, cool, and fun art pieces for the home. All of us love the opportunity to transform and make over our homes but often our budget will not allow it. So here are some ideas to add some tremendous artwork to your home with your photos and a little effort, creativity and cash. Remember, a remarkable art piece is there in those boxes of prints just waiting for you to find it!

Take an ordinary wooden tray. Paint or stain the tray the color of your choice. Choose your photos (trips, sports or pets are great). Use decoupage, paint the inside of the tray and glue your photos in collage style. Brush a thin coat of decoupage on top. (To make this even more versatile and usable add a piece of glass on top of the prints while wet it will dry clear). Enjoy your distinctive tray! (Try this twist: Decoupage your photos into an old framed window to make a unique wall art piece.)

Next, grab a lampshade. Choose your prints (black and white or sepia prints look impressive with this one). Use spray adhesive to attach your prints (baby pictures for a baby's room, pets for a child's room, family and friends for a guest room) and embellish your shade with ribbon, beads, memorabilia, etc. This is a wonderful way to restore an old lampshade to an unforgettable decorative piece.

Enlarged scenic photos (sunsets, lighthouses, mountain vistas, or flowers) make exceptional artwork for your home. Choose a grouping, mat and frame them (save even more by refurbishing some of your old frames).

Another fantastic idea for enlarged prints - pick some photos with well-defined subjects. Cut out the subject and mount it print side down, white side up on colored paper and frame it. (Think - Victorian silhouettes with a modern twist!)

You can also take those photos that weren't quite right (like that one of half your child's face or the one that is slightly askew) and enlarge it to poster size and frame it for a trendy, modern work of art.

You have some truly unique, matchless art pieces in those old photos - all you have to do is take the time to look for them. With a little imagination and your chosen shots - you will be hanging that impressive, one of a kind, priceless artwork in your home in just a few simple, inexpensive steps!

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