Like most people today, I'm something of a guilty snapper. I spend ages trying to get a decent shot, longer still editing and adding filters, and then I stick it up on social media and all but forget about it. Because even though 75% of us say looking at printed photos makes us feel happy, it's all too rarely that we actually get around to printing some.
So when Bonusprint got in touch to ask if I'd like to be involved with the #proudtoprint campaign, I didn't waste any time in saying yes.
I am #proudtoprint - even when my photos aren't perfect. My favourite, most successful photos tend to find their way into frames on the mantelpiece, it's true, but I still want photographs for the fridge, the noticeboard, and scrapbooking projects. Plus, having lots of snaps of loved ones about the place makes our house feel so much more homely.
We were given £80 credit to spend on the site which, with the typical print costing just 12p, stretched a very long way! The first thing I ordered was a canvas print of Marianna and Anthony dressed in his white tie. Anthony has long wanted a big print of this photograph, so it was awesome to finally be able to make it happen.
All I had to do was upload a photo and choose the size I wanted; we went for 70 x 50cm (£44.99). I was so impressed with the quality of the canvas when it arrived - my order was split into two for timely delivery, so this was actually a few days later than the photo prints. Although we all love this shot, it was taken with a mid-range camera phone in far from the best lighting conditions. Looking at the canvas, you would never know it! It now has pride of place in Anthony's 'man cave'.
Next, I ordered a big bundle of photographs. I loved how straightforward the process was. I just uploaded the photos, and the site determined which size print was best suited to the shot. You can choose between matte or glossy prints, along with some fancy options like polaroid style snaps. You can see below the range of sizes - the quality is really impressive, especially when you consider that most of these were taken with my phone camera, and the vintage holiday pic was scanned in from the original.
These are destined for a variety of purposes; some will be given to grandparents and other relatives who always complain that we just post photos online these days, and some are going to brighten up our own house. Like this collection:
The rest are going to be used in some of our summer craft projects...
#10. Framing
Choosing the photos, picking the frame, adding the finishing touches... Before you know it, an entire afternoon has been filled.#9. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking deserves a whole post of its own, there is so much you can do with it. Here is a page of Marianna's baby scrapbook, an uncomplicated affair done with coloured markers and washi tape.#8. Jar Japers
Jars can be a great way to display photographs - or simply great fun. A full face photograph can be curved around in a jar and filled with water to make it look as though there is a head in your jar.#7. Snow Globes
Adding water and glitter to your photo in a jar is an incredibly easy way to make a snow globe. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like - you could glue scene setters to the inside of the lid, for instance, and fix a photo to one side of the jar. I made a simple glitter shaker for Marianna which she had great fun with, for all those googly eyes creeped everyone else out! (Tip: laminate your photo first - you can just cover in clear sticky tape - to make it last longer.)#6. Hot Glue
From shells to buttons to jigsaw pieces to plastic flowers, hot glue is a quick and easy way to decorate photo frames. If you don't have a hot glue gun, you can use regular PVA; it just takes longer to dry.#5. Lollipop Stick Frames
Super simple - but super effective! You can glue your sticks together, or attach with double sided tape. To decorate, you can paint, use stickers, glue decorations on, or apply patterned washi tape. The possibilities are endless.#4. Cardboard
Cardboard mounts are one of the easiest ways to display photographs, and can be decorated any way you like. They're great for young children as they can't really get up to any mischief with them. I glued a photograph to a larger piece of cardboard, and let Marianna stick stickers wherever she liked. She had a great time, and I enjoyed a few minutes of peace and quiet...#3. Googly Eyes
Everything is more fun with googly eyes. Fact. You could even make a collection of little add ons - hats, glasses, mustaches, etc - and prove that you don't need an app to add a touch of humour to your photographs.#2. Jigsaws
These can be as elaborate or as simple as you like - I glued my photograph onto a cardboard backing and simply cut the whole into pieces. I then took turns with Marianna to solve the puzzle.#1. And the Rest
There are so many great photo crafts I haven't actually got around to yet - so check out the Pinterest board above I'm using for inspiration!
Why not order some prints of your own at Bonusprint? I'd love to see any crafts you make with them - and I'm sure Bonusprint would too; you can connect with them on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
If you liked this post, please check out my brief history of photography:
These are the cutest arts. Nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteVery cute use of photos
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
Deleteoh my gosh! The Jar! That is cracking me up so much! Great job!
ReplyDeletexD The googly eyes just made it.
DeleteYou're right about time. The time doodling with these kinds of things adds up quick, but it's worth it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteIt's so nice to be able to print photos all the time. It would be such a waste to just store them online or in the computer. I think these are great ideas!
ReplyDeleteThank you, it really brightens the place up to have some photos about.
DeleteYou sure know how to make picture crafts. I wouldn't have a clue, other than scrapbooking. I have done that a few times, but I am by no means an expert.
ReplyDeleteI really want to do some more serious scrapbooking this year - we've done some really simple pages with Marianna, but nothing special. x
DeleteWhat a cute project, I'd love to try this
ReplyDeleteHope you get chance to give it a go!
DeleteWow, this is a nice craft. I will try this soon, I'm so glad that there are other ways to preserve golden memories.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many cool projects I still want to try out.
DeleteMy friend is looking for a gift for a baby. I will share this article to her!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteWhat adorable ideas for photos. I know my daughter would totally get a kick out of the snow globe.
ReplyDeleteThey're great fun to do, even if they're only simple ones!
DeleteThese are some great ideas. As a teacher, I would love to do some of these in my classroom as Mother's or Father's Day gifts.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I hope you get chance to test some of them out!
DeleteLove these summer craft ideas! Look so cute and original, made with love!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! :)
DeleteI'm well overdue a printing session! I'd never think to do much more than framing them, so it's great to see some other ideas.
ReplyDeleteIt's great fun thinking up new ways to use them - and we have plenty to get through now! :)
DeleteSuch great ideas. The photos looks so beautiful and fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteGorgeous photos. I am afraid I am rather guilty of not printing mine off either. Such a shame as we spend so much time capturing our families x
ReplyDeleteI'm resolving to do it more regularly - or at least more than once a year! :)
DeleteI definitely need to get more photos printed off to dot around our home I love some of these ideas.
ReplyDeleteThank you - we had great fun with them! :)
DeleteHow fun! Love what you did with your photos. I need to get some new ones printed off too. x
ReplyDeleteThank you!:)
DeleteAww these are really good ideas. I love pictures of my kids everywhere :)
ReplyDeleteMe too :)
DeleteI am guilty of snapping but never actually printing even when I say I will. You've done some really nice crafts, loving the frame.
ReplyDeleteIt's usually at least 6 months between me saying I'll get some prints done and actually getting them done!
DeleteThe jar Japers are a little terrifying! Some great gift ideas though!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I think they freaked everyone out here!
DeleteI really need to print more photos and there are so many good deals for photos now, there is not excuse. I love the photo craft ideas, I might try some with my daughter
ReplyDeleteWe had great fun with them. :)
DeleteIt's lovely to have printed pics of babies, they look cute and funny. I'm sure they'll love to see them when they grow up! xx
ReplyDeletewww.wha2wear.com
Hehe, that's the best use for baby photographs - embarrassing the grown ups! :) x
DeleteI have so many photo albums in the loft that just don't get looked at. Will be making a photo book of our cruise though
ReplyDeleteOoh, sounds nice!
Deleteit is timely reminder. I have a list of 4 photo books I need to produce!
ReplyDeletePlenty to keep you busy then! :)
DeleteThat's cool! I know there are a lot of apps that offer this. Thank goodness they delivery it to you!
ReplyDeleteIt's so much easier than having to go into a store and wait for them!
DeleteAwww what a fab idea. I need to sort out our photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis is a good idea and I love the Family frame x
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSuch gorgeous ideas! I never print photos anymore and really should. We have so many gorgeous photo frames lying around. This sounds perfect. x
ReplyDeleteThank you! x
DeleteLove these photo craft ideas - perfect for summer holidays and also getting kids involved in Photography. I am the same I don't get enough actually prints done - something I need to change
ReplyDeleteLaura x
We had loads of fun making them - especially the jar ones. :)
DeleteWe're exactly the same and never seem to have the time to print all our photos out! They look so much better printed out and frames. Love your suggestions
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
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