How To: Dimensionalize Your Photography

Dear "No one really uses photo albums anymore,"


Between the dominating presence of photo-oriented social media, such as Instagram, and the slow but sure decrease in disposable cameras and print photos in general (not to mention the people who take photo journaling to an extreme with fancy-shmancy scrapbooking techniques that would shame even this DIY columnist from using a plain old album), I would say this is a true statement. Precious moments spent flipping through pages upon pages of childhood and family photographs have transformed into endless hours spent perusing through albums upon albums of click-worthy Facebook friends. And as a self-proclaimed, “old soul,” I do find something disheartening about this—I don’t like the idea that if Internet access was completely lost tomorrow, I would have no way to visually recall my freshman year of college, my international adventures on study abroad or my 21st birthday. Yes, I could hypothetically access these photos on my backup hard-drive, but I think that is not the focus here. The point is that photographs should be appreciated less with a clickable stamp of approvable or quick comment and more with in-person interaction and conversation. So if photo albums are a little too old-school, the best way to display your favorite captured moments in a more modern way is by dimensionalizing the images of your choosing. There is a multitude of ways to take your flat two-dimensional photographs to a new, artistic level and my recommendations, per usual, involve a little time, some creativity and a big box of craft supplies. And if you follow said recommendations, I guarantee you will have photographs that will literally stand out from boring, scrollable Internet-bound albums. 

After all, a picture is worth 1,000 words and “Like” is still just one word.


Photo on Wood
Give your photos an endearing, vintage touch by printing them on wood. All you have to do is print the picture out on plain paper, coat the wood with mod podge and turn the picture face down to press it on the wood. Let it dry overnight before dabbing it with water the next day to rub the actual paper off the wood to leave nothing but the image itself on the rustic canvas. Finish by covering the wood with one more coat of mod podge.  

Pop-Up Photo Box
This lovely project embraces both the quirkiness of pop-up books and the classic cuteness of photo-booth photos with just a few supplies. All you need to do is buy a small wooden box and print several photos so they will easily fit inside the box with room to spare. Cut a strip of scrapbook paper and arrange it in an accordion fold with as many folds as photo and an extra fold to glue to the bottom inside of the box. Attach one photo to each fold and place a dab of adhesive on the back top of the scrapbook strip so you can pull the photos out of your new pop-up photo album.


Additional Elements
Put a fun, humorous touch on your photographs (especially black and white ones) with additional elements, such as scrapbook adhesives or buttons. Make a bowtie or balloon really pop off the page, or add a strip of ribbon that is as textured and colorful as the one on the actual dress in the photograph. Just be creative and display your masterpiece in a glassless frame that matches the color of your added elements. 

Collage on Letters
Letters have become a whole new element in home furnishings. And it is completely understandable, as monogramming is a chic and personalized way to add décor to any room. But you can personalize letters by decorating them with images instead of patterns or paint. Spell out words like “H-O-M-E” adorned with photos of your family or collage the first initial of your best friend’s name with your favorite moments of her on film.


Envelope Liners
Line an envelope for an invitation or thank you with the perfect picture by tracing the envelope on a piece of cardstock before cutting out a version that is ¼ inch smaller all around. Use the cardstock as a template to cut out your printed image and lightly glue the back with a glue stick before adhere the photograph to the inside and pressing down on the envelope to secure it.


Sincerely, Samantha

P.S. Please send questions, comments, “How To” needs and a new hot glue gun my way at stoscano@udel.edu.