How to Make a Baby Photo Collage for Dad

If you need a great gift for a new father, consider making a baby photo collage. This is an easy project that will help him share his pride and joy with the people around him.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Threads Or Glue
• "small, Sharp Scissors"

1. Choose a selection of photographs of the baby; use close-up shots whenever possible, and include a few of Dad and baby together.

2. Purchase a frame (any size you like) with multiple openings in the mat or a large frame with a single large opening if you plan to overlap your pictures.

3. Lay out your photos before trimming them; try a number of different combinations before you decide on the final composition.

4. Firmly tape the pictures into position at the back of the mat, then reinsert the mat into the frame and replace the back of the frame.

5. Be creative - if you want to make a collage of overlapping (instead of separately matted) pictures, lay your untrimmed photos out carefully on a mat or light poster board that will fit your frame. Trim photos in fun shapes; just be sure the outer photos fit in the frame.

6. Glue pictures into place on the backing with an adhesive that is suitable for use on photographs.

7. Insert the collage into the frame and replace the back of the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• Use very sharp scissors. This will give your pictures a clean edge and make it easier for you to get the shape you want.
• Write a key to go along with the photos, explaining the time, date and situation of each one, and tape it to the back of the finished collage.
• These collages are a great gift for fathers who have space in their office for family pictures; you can replace them each year with updated versions.
• Don't overdo the fancy edges ' edging scissors, fancy corners and decorative punches are great when used in moderation.
• Make sure you have all the negatives of the prints you plan to use just in case something goes wrong.
• If you want to add stickers or other items to your collage, make sure they are acid-free. Otherwise they may fade and discolor or even damage your photographs.
• If you are doing this project with children, cut the pictures yourself and supervise all adhesive use carefully.

on 8/8/2006 Choose your first photo, then cut (using a Stanley knife and ruler) into the shape you desire, triangular or otherwise. Glue and place this into the position you wish to start from. Select the next photo. Select any edge of the first photo you have already glued into position, and place the ruler along and flush with this edge, secure firmly with your hand. Take your second photo and gently slide it under the ruler (release your hand pressure slightly on the rule to allow this). Make sure it is square/upright, and slide it to the point at which you would like to trim. Re secure the pressure on the ruler with your hand and cut along the edge of the ruler. Once you remove the ruler and the excess, you will have the absolute perfect cut to butt up against your first photo. Glue this photo in place, then immediately (using the knife and ruler) cut this photo into the desired shape and remove the excess. Repeat this process throughout and you will create a virtual jigsaw puzzle. It gets more difficult as you progress, but using this concept will eliminate overlaps and gaps resulting in a professional finished product. This is my method and it works every time, but it takes a little practice.