When was the last time you printed your pictures and displayed them for all to see?  The downside of digital photography is that we INSTANTLY get our images and they INSTANTLY get uploaded to Facebook and then INSTANTLY go in a folder on our desktop and kind of get forgotten.  Well what was the point of investing in your portrait session if you aren’t displaying your images to actually see and enjoy!  Maybe we need some inspiration for fun and fresh new ideas for displaying our photos.  You don’t have to simply resort to throwing that 5×7 in a boring frame from Wal-mart, have fun and get creative!  I found some really cool ideas to share with you that will hopefully inspire you to have your photos in a place other than on your desktop, where no one gets to see them.  Some of these might require a little craftiness and time, while others probably take a total of 5 minutes.

 

<<<<Like this idea with the twine and frames…..so easy, and so creative! Frame, twine, clothespins, and VOILA! adorable framing.

 

 

 

 

And then you have THIS fancy pants  idea that’s as simple as sticking your photos in a glass jar.  So I guess this one probably takes about 30 seconds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. these sample ideas where all obtained from Pinterest (duh, home of all splendid ideas).  Am I the only one who says “Where did they THINK of that?!?!?” at least every minute when I’m on there?  I think I actually say it out loud, not just in my head.  If you go to my photo framing/display ideas board you can find all these ideas and navigate to the original links if you’d like.

 

Do you have a frame wall in your house?  You know, the designated wall where all family portraits, senior pictures, prom pictures from 10 years ago are displayed?  A frame wall is a great idea, because it’s a way of grouping your smaller frames together with a bunch of others and together they can create a nice, cohesive look.  Think about it, if you just hung an 8×10 frame in a hallway all by its lonesome it would look really weird. But the FRAME WALL…….…..let’s all the little guys hang out together and no one looks lonely!  It looks like one big happy frame family!  The frames don’t even have to all be the same color, or shape, or size!  Love it!

 

Here’s an idea for your photos that will trick people into thinking you’re Martha Stewart:  photo coasters!  Literally just a ceramic tile, felt backing, your photo, and Mod Podge.  I love Mod Podge (found at any craft store).  And photo coasters can make a great gift – personalized, crafty, and they serve a purpose!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These next two ideas would require a little bit more time, but I think this would definitely be worth it!  Using something such as a map or newspaper as the matting in your frame….brilliant!  Goodbye boring white matting!  If you’re displaying images from your wedding day, you could use newspaper pages from the date of your wedding.  Ooh and I just thought of another idea….you could use patterned scrapbook paper, or even wrapping paper, to customize your matting!

 

 

Maybe twine and clothespins are the way the cool kids are displaying photos these days, but here are a couple more examples:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who says you even need a frame at all…..pick up some antique china plates at a garage sale and you’re in business!

 

 

Photo tree decal and hang some frames from the branches!

 

The creative possibilities are endless when it comes to displaying your memories!  Maybe I’ll do a Part 2 someday.  Are you inspired?!  Are you going to go print your photographs and have them somewhere other than stuck on your computer?!  Can I walk in your house and see all your wonderful memories?!  I think photographs make for the best decor because they are personal and feel like home.  If you have other cool ideas for displaying your photos, share with me!