$0 - Faux Photo Canvases

This photo display has caused me some angst but I think I am finally content with how it turned out.  I had some leftover foam and thought it would be perfect to make faux picture canvases out of.  This is a simple technique that doesn't cost much so in a couple years when your kids have completely changed and you have new pictures, you can create a new display.  Here is what you will need to make your own faux picture canvases.  Since I had everything on hand, this cost me $0 but if you're venturing out to buy supplies, it wont cost you much either.

Foam boards

Pictures cut to the size you want your "canvases" to be (I recommend a thinker, more professional photo paper to prevent rippling)

Bread knife or similar cutting utensil

Double sided tape

Scrapbook paper (I recommend a thicker paper to prevent rippling)

Rotary cuter or scissors

Picture hanging strips

Paint to match your scrapbook paper (optional)
Annie's Tacky Glue (optional)

First I printed all of my pictures on my home computer in the largest 8X10 size.  If you want larger canvases you can have prints done at a printing store.

Once you have all of your pictures ready you will need to cut your foam to match the exact size of your pictures.  I simply laid the picture on top, traced around and then cut the foam to match.

To cut I used a bread knife.  This seamed to work pretty well, but I'm sure any knife or probably even sharp scissors would work as long as your foam is not too thick.

Optional step: Sponge paint around the corners of your foam board just in case any shows through, it will be camouflaged.

Next up, you need to attach your pictures to the front.  I tried many different methods but the best I found was simple double sided tape.  I'm not a big fan of spray adhesive but I'm sure that would work well too. Make sure to smooth out an ripples. Optional: I added a little Annie's Tacky Glue (the stuff in the gold bottle) to reinforce the edges.

Optional step: I also created some foam boards using decorative scrapbook paper rather than pictures to mix in with my display.  Use coordinating colors to make it uniform.

Once I attached the pictures to the front, I just needed to cover up the sides.

Cut your scrapbook paper to the exact width and length of all four sides of your foam. Again I attached it with double sided tape.  Double sided tape seams to get a bad rap but I'm a big fan after this project. Optional: Again, I added a little Annie's Tacky Glue to the corners to reinforce.

This project is so quick and easy (and CHEAP)!  Since the pictures are not sealed in anyway these will not last forever.  They will last for a few years though and that's perfect for me because in a few or probably just a couple years I'll have new pictures I'll want to display.  Just ask my husband about my ever evolving wall decor. :)

If you're wondering about my wall vinyl, check out my post here.

$0 - Picture or Word Blocks

My first project for the zero budget party are these picture and word blocks that I have had sitting there staring at me since Mother's Day when I made others as gifts.  These are so easy to make and although mine were free to make right now, they are really cheap to make if you don't have the supplies on hand. Here's what you will need:

Wooden blocks

Acrylic paint in a color of your choice

Acyrlic antiquing medium

Small hinges

Sponge brush

Pictures or scrapbook paper (not pictured)

Sand paper (not pictured)

Mod Podge

First you will want to sand all of the rough spots on your wooden blocks.  You can skip this step if you wish but it will make your blocks look much more finished.  Once all are sanded (don't forget to wipe any dust off the blocks), paint each block.  I recommend only doing one coat because it will make the antiquing/sanding part of the project much easier.

Once all of your blocks are dry, you will apply your antiquing medium.  Follow the directions on the bottle, it is very easy.  And remember less is generally more with this stuff.  Paint a thin layer of the medium all over your blocks and then wipe away with a rag until you have just a hint of brown to make it look "antique".

Note: I didn't apply the antiquing medium to the center since the picture or scrapbook paper would cover it.

Wait for all of your blocks to dry and then you will sand each one around the edges.  You don't want to sand all the paint off and be back where you started, just slightly sand the edges and a couple rough spots to give it a worn and ragged look.  Once all your sanding is complete, make sure you wipe your blocks down good to get all the dust off.

Finally you are ready for your pictures or words.  I did one with pictures and one with words for reference.  If you are using pictures, you will want to cut down each picture to the size of the front of your block.  If you chose to do a word, you will need to cut a piece of scrapbook paper to the size of the front of your block.  Then you will need to cut letters out that will fit on top of the piece of scrapbook paper you just cut.

And now it's time to get out the mod podge.  Follow the directions on your bottle but again, this is very simple.  Apply a thin layer of mod podge on the front of your wooden block.  Place either your picture or your piece of scrapbook paper on top and press down evening out any bubbles.  Place aside and let dry.

If you are doing letters, you will need to apply another thin layer of mod podge on top of the scrapbook paper (once your other layer is completely dry).  Press your letter down and smooth out.  Set aside to dry.

Once your pictures and words have completely dried and are attached to your wooden blocks, you will want to apply a top coat of mod podge to seal the deal.  Once again let them dry completely.  I would recommend leaving them be for about 48 hours.  They will be dry within a couple hours but the modge podge is still sticky and does not set for a couple days.

Lastly you will attach your hinges to create an accordion style display!  You can also sand just a bit around the edges of your pictures to create even more of an antique look.  So many possibilities with these...I've already made tons as gifts and for around our home.

Christmas card holder

I love getting cute Christmas cards every year but they start to become irritating when I line them up on my bookcase and then every time I walk by one falls down creating a domino effect where they all come down.  So this year I decided to hang them up.  I didn't want to tape them to the wall so I bought some wooden clothes pins from hobby lobby, painted them red and hung the cards up using a piece of ribbon.  Nothing too terribly exciting but with all the cards on it, it becomes another Christmas decoration.

Canvas Picture Frame/Memory Board

I got this idea out of a book my sister got me when I first found out I was pregnant.  I already had these canvases (who knows what for) so I simply painted them pink and added some scrapbook paper.  Then I drilled holes in all four corners and hung with ribbon.  I plan to hang pictures and little memorabilia such as the hospital bracelet, date and time of delivery, height and weight at delivery, etc. once our little one arrives.  The whole project only cost me $.50 for the pink paint.  Such a simply and cheap way to display photos and other items.