A self-made collage can turn out to be an interesting decorative element of the interior or a holiday gift.
Tools and materials you will need:
- photos;
- base for gluing;
- glue;
- scissors.
Some don’t stop there and also use various decorative details to create collages: beads, ribbons, appliqués, buttons and others. In addition, colored pencils or felt-tip pens for drawing will also come in handy.
How to make a collage:
Before you start creating a photo collage, you need to decide on its size and basis. For example, it is recommended to make large photo panels on a hard surface. This could be a sheet of cardboard of a suitable size or plywood, cork, or whatman paper.
In addition to the basics, a concept is also required. It is necessary to draw up a clear plan for what the future collage will be. For example, for some holiday or about travel. Based on the idea, magazine clippings and decorative elements are selected.
The images do not have to be arranged exclusively sequentially one after another. They can be glued diagonally, overlapping, with different steps between photos, at an angle. It all depends on the concept thought out in advance. In addition, images can be pasted in some form. For example, hearts, filling it with photographs of different sizes.
To ensure that the images stick tightly to the base and that excess glue does not come out at the edges, it is necessary to apply it to the photo, retreating 5-7 mm from the edge. After all the photographs are placed in the collage, you can supplement it with decorative elements and painting. Everything that can be glued is glued with suitable glue.
For example, feathers, sand, and ribbons adhere well to PVA. But beads, volumetric elements require stronger glue. For example, from a special heat gun or on a rubber base. Drawing is usually applied either along the edges of the collage or in the spaces between photographs and clippings. Once the photo panel is ready, it can be inserted into a frame to complete the work.
Making a collage on a computer is even easier, since you only need the right program. Many support not only the creation mode, but editing, the ability to attach stickers, add signatures, which significantly expands the range of work.
Photo collages , created on a computer, can not only be posted on social networks or on a website, but also printed later in a photo workshop. If possible, the workshop can select the appropriate size for printing - from standard A4 format to large wall collages.
As an interesting and educational decoration for your home, you can make a collage of family photos or, for example, pictures of your favorite pet. Now we will look at how to make an original collage on the wall. This is not only even rows of photographs hung on the wall - it can be made in any form, framed or pasted on paper. Some ideas involve decorating it with ribbons, buttons, beads, etc.
How to make a collage of photos with your pet
Here is one interesting idea on how you can design a collage: make it from photographs of your pet. You can also insert your photos there - after all, you are the hostess.
This kind of work is done extremely simply. A silhouette is outlined on whatman paper, along which photographs are laid out. You determine the degree of saturation in the photographs yourself, but it is better to make sure that there are no empty spots. But the photos shouldn’t overlap too much. Next, the pictures are attached with glue. After the glue has dried, the collage can be laminated for preservation and, if desired, placed in a frame.
Rules for designing mini-exhibitions
1) You can place your mini-exhibition anywhere: in the living room, bedroom and even in the hallway. The main thing is that the theme of the collage should correspond to the location.
2) The main advantage of a collage is that photographs, especially the most successful and beloved ones, do not gather dust in a photo album, but are available for viewing. And now they can be seen not only on holidays, when a family album is given to guests, but every day.
3) To organize a proper mini-exhibition, you need to think about, in addition to the topic, how to combine all the photos into one whole. The simplest, but also the most boring option is to buy identical frames and hang the pictures in orderly rows.
4) If you absolutely do not want to show imagination, buy identical frames, but then in very large quantities. Because to create an interesting collage you will have to cover the entire wall with them.
Or purchase multi-colored portfolios.
5) Black and white photographs, for which frames are not even necessary, also look favorably. By the way, real photographers still create their masterpieces mainly in black and white.
6) Do not place pictures in ascending order. It's not beautiful.
7) Frames can also carry their own idea. They can be not only a frame for the photo, but also an additional emphasis on it. Handmade frames look especially good.
8) When creating a collage, choose photos that go well together.
9) A collage enclosed in a huge frame will look very interesting.
10) Several galleries can be combined into one common gallery.
Here are the basic principles for making collages.
Additional design
The theme of such decoration can be not only family photos and photos of pets. You can also use landscapes, pictures you like from magazines, or other people's photographs. The main thing is that all this should be combined both in color and in meaning. If you have a rich imagination and good taste, you can even combine your photographs with other people's compositions. You can draw a picture with your own hand on a piece of Whatman paper to which the collage is attached. It’s better that you know how to draw, otherwise you can simply ruin the overall impression.
In addition, decorating with all kinds of accessories is not forbidden at all, and is even encouraged.
Without noticing it ourselves, we just held a real master class on making a photo collage with our own hands.
In this video you can see what other ideas there are and how to bring them to life.
Collage on the wall.
Photo collages are a good way to transform the space of an empty wall. The essence of such decor comes down to combining photographs by style, size, theme or design of holding frames into a single composition. Most often, a collage of photographs on the wall is a closely assembled composition of similar frames of different sizes and family photographs enclosed in these frames. Such a collage can be formed immediately or acquire new objects during its existence. True, when you first study photographs showing examples of ready-made collages, it may seem that creating your own individual composition will not be difficult, but in fact there are a number of rules to avoid a pile of diverse photographs on the wall.
Rules for posting photographs in the interior.
Step #1. Selecting a wall.
In order for photo frame collages to look most impressive, you need to take the choice of wall seriously. Ideally, such a wall should be known to be empty, i.e. paintings, sconces, posters and other objects should not hang on it. In addition, it is better to give preference to the far wall, which allows you to evaluate the appearance of the composition of photo frames from afar. It is also desirable that the passage to it be free, so that anyone can come closer and appreciate all your efforts.
It was not by chance that we mentioned a free approach to an object on the wall; the fact is that photographs placed above large furniture, such as a sofa or bed, will interfere with the approach of curious guests who will certainly want to evaluate your family photographs. Designers advise placing neutral, non-family photographs above the beds that will not arouse such obvious interest among your guests. Well, or hang large photographs placed in a row; options of 4 large photographs, two in a row, are also welcome. This way, people can appreciate the image from a distance, and they won’t have to bend over bulky furniture.
Step #2. You need to select the genre of the composition.
By genre we mean a style idea, namely the theme of the photographs. There are family variations of collages, children's, couples (boy and girl), collages with animals, nature, reproductions of famous artists. Each of these compositions should suit the style of the room. So, let’s say that black and white photographs are suitable for Vintage interiors, and imitations of portraits will look good in classic rooms. At this stage, you need to decide on the photographs, which will subsequently form a single collage.
Step #3. Selection of photo borders.
This edging is the frame; ideally, the frames should be identical in all photographs, which is why it is better to buy a couple of extra frames, because over time you will probably want to add new photographs to your collage. This technique is suitable for strict interiors, and it will certainly be appreciated by people who adore order in everything. But the identity of the frames is not at all an important and indisputable rule; compositions from frames of different textures look no worse, and in some cases even much more interesting than identical frames. Collages from photo frames on the wall are matched to the color scheme of the room, as well as its style. So, let’s say that in a room with furniture, door frames and skirting boards in wenge color, frames of a similar dark color are ideal.
Step #4. Selection of photo sizes.
This step is very important, because you must decide how the composition will look on the wall. How to do this before printing the photo? Very simple! It is necessary to glue together sheets of A4 paper or, on the contrary, cut out the sizes of photographs, lay them out on the floor in a single composition, and then fix them in this form on the wall, you can use tape or stationery nails. This technique will allow you to personally evaluate the composition, perhaps add a couple of new touches or, on the contrary, remove something. Well, having decided on the size and location of the pictures, you need to go to a photo salon and print out the previously selected photos.
In what rooms would collages be appropriate?
In fact, there are no clear rules; you can safely place compositions from photos in living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms, spacious kitchens, dining rooms, offices and home library. In addition, they can be placed on the wall of an open staircase. But it’s better not to place intricate compositions on closed staircases, as well as in narrow corridors; they simply won’t be appreciated. If you want to hang photographs in the corridor, then it is better not to worry about the issue of complex composition, and just hang large photographs in a row.
Schemes for placing photo frames on the wall.
Below you can study schematic examples of photo placement.
Collage of photographs in the interior (click on the pictures to enlarge them):
Idea for a homemade collage without frames (video):
This is a simple way to transform your home space. Such collages seem to emanate family comfort and warmth; you want to look at the framed photographs and remember the moments captured in them.
Today, collage is considered a unique design technique that involves combining different materials on one surface. Collage is a French word and literally means “pasting”. The technique of gluing pieces of materials of different colors and textures onto a base—pictures, paper, fabric, foil—appeared in art a long time ago.
In ancient times, they decorated their houses in this way - during excavations in China, collages were found that were beautiful compositions made of canvas and natural materials (stones and dried flowers). In the collage technique, you can also use manual work - drawing with a pen or brush. Collages were especially popular in the 1920s.
Even the great Picasso used labels and newspaper clippings in his works to make his works more realistic and expressive.
And with the advent of photographs in our lives, photo collages also appeared - self-pasted photographs on any basis.
Stages of creating a photo collage
Choosing a theme
Usually a photo collage represents some significant events, memorable moments in life. The theme could be a wedding, an anniversary, a newborn child, a prom, a trip - life itself suggests ideas, sometimes the entire biography is reflected in one collage.
Selection of photographic materials
An important point in preparing a collage. You need to select high-quality photographs, crop them to the desired format (you can use curly scissors). They also come in black and white; if necessary, they can be scanned and updated, giving them a certain style.
Decor
The main stage, which requires you to show all your creative abilities, taste, and imagination. For example, a collage dedicated to a birthday celebration can be decorated with decorative elements and bright frames that create a festive mood. 
Paper photo collage
Such a “masterpiece” can be made by a person without artistic talents and skills. How to make a photo collage with your own hands? For the simplest option, you will need a photo frame, which you can always buy or make yourself, or regular cardboard for the base, photographs, tape and varnish for decoupage. Think about the theme and layout of the photos, for example 4 by 12. Prepare the photos, cut them to size. If the cardboard is not decorative, it can be tinted. Secure the pictures to the base with double tape and cover with decoupage varnish (many can do without it). For symmetry, first fix the pictures around the perimeter, then you can fill the middle in any order. That’s it – the collage is ready, all that remains is to attach it to the wall with adhesive tape or thumbtacks. You can decorate the frame in any style - shells, flowers, ribbons. Our grandmothers made such collages, but a photo collage made from matchboxes looks quite unusual. 
Photo collage based on matchboxes
Tools and materials
- photos;
- cardboard;
- glue;
- scissors;
- dye;
- material for decoration;
- matchboxes.
Step-by-step instruction
Do you want to give a gift to a loved one that is definitely not in his collection? Photo collages are used to decorate the dials of exclusive watches and even pillows. How to make a photo collage for a wedding with your own hands so that it looks original and presentable, read on.
Photo collage “12 months”
Tools and materials
- A3 sheet of paper;
- decorative paper of several types;
- whatman;
- corrugated cardboard;
- glue;
- double sided tape.
Step-by-step instruction
Photo frames for the wall, like the photo collages themselves, will decorate any room. It won’t even seem cozy without the appropriate ones. And if they are also made with your own hands and reflect your life, then this will make them doubly valuable.
The best options for such an accessory are collages and compositions from photographs, hung like. And if you approach the creation of a collage wisely, it will become not only a wonderful memory of a pleasant time spent and loved ones, but also a stylish touch to any interior.
How to make a photo collage correctly
First of all, you should decide in which room you want to place the collage. One of the best options is hallway. It connects all the rooms, and all family members can view memorable moments from their lives throughout the day. In addition, guests will also be able to appreciate such a collage. This will begin their acquaintance with the apartment. Such homemade collages also look good on kitchen where all family members spend the most time. It’s so homely to look at a photo over a cup of tea.
The most difficult thing when making a collage is not to get carried away with this activity too much, otherwise your work will look tasteless. Here you need to know when to stop: too many photos can only spoil your work.
To make a collage beautiful and interesting, it is not enough to simply attach photographs to the wall in a chaotic manner. Here you need to follow several important rules. First of all, you need to place the photos so that the collage is at eye level. The size of the photographs should be taken into account. So, the largest of them should be located above this level. In this case, it will be possible to better examine small photos.
Frame selection
Primary attention should also be given to the choice of frames. They can be either the simplest and most unpretentious, or original and whimsical. In the first case, the focus will be on the photographs themselves: this is the effect you ultimately wanted to achieve. If you want to frame the bright moments of your life in a fancy-shaped frame, then in this case you risk that the main attention will be focused not on the photographs, but on their framing. The way out of this situation can be the choice of photographs. By combining photos in this style and fancy and bright beautiful photo frames for the wall, you can achieve the most unexpected and interesting effect.
Before placing photographs on the wall, you should make sure that the composition looks impressive. Therefore, it is advisable to first place the photo on the floor. In this case, you can easily “replay” the layout. Of course, you can use photos of the same size, but they may look boring and academic. It is much more interesting to combine photographs of different sizes.
Advice! Try different combinations of shots and you will find the best option.
One of the main rules when creating a collage is that all photographs must be united by a common plot or theme. For example, these could be your wedding photos, images of your children, or photos taken during...
How to choose the right photo frames
Wall photo frames can form real collages . Frames are the main accessory with which you can give your photos a finished look. Frames should be combined not only with the photographs themselves, but also with the ones on which they will be hung. The most win-win and obvious option is to choose neutral photo frames of a standard rectangular shape in a calm color (black, white, or ). If this option seems boring and uninteresting to you, then you can consider a more complex stylistic solution. In this case, you can choose a frame that matches the style of the room's interior. Or, on the contrary, it has a deliberately contrasting design.
For example, in certain interior styles, snow-white frames with intricate patterns will look advantageous, contrasting with the color and texture of the wall. They can successfully fit into an interior in a Scandinavian or eclectic style, adding a touch of sophistication to an overly simple interior. Or they will look just as good in a bohemian interior, complementing and completing it.
Frames do not have to be rectangular or square. Frames for oval-shaped photographs look unusual and stylish. And by combining frames of different shapes with each other, you can create a spectacular collage.
How to make photo frames yourself: stage 1
Photo frames for the wall for making collages can be bought at a specialty store or ordered from a workshop. However, you can completely make the collage yourself, including photo frames. Fortunately, modern stores provide a wide range of necessary goods.
One of the original and yet simple ways to make photo frames is to use ordinary newspapers and magazines. As a result, no one will guess that the frame is not made from a real baguette. To create such a mini-masterpiece you will need the following materials:
- Glue: in pencil form, regular PVA and universal version;
- newspapers magazines;
- stationery knife;
- school protractor;
- (white, if desired, you can also purchase paint to decorate the product at the final stage);
- wood putty.
Having collected all the necessary materials, you can safely begin the process of making the frame. Unfold the newspaper (you can also use a magazine), lay it out on a flat surface and carefully roll it up tightly enough. If you want to end up with a wider frame, then just take a few sheets of newspaper. Once you have almost completely rolled up the tube, glue a new sheet of newspaper to it using a glue stick and continue working.
Advice! Roll the newspaper with the same density so that the frame slats are the same width and are easily fastened together.
Please note that a rectangular or square frame consists of four slats. For one side you need to make 3-8 tubes depending on the size of the photo. To end up with a narrower baguette, you will need two tubes. Glue them together with their side edges. Glue another one on top to create a triangular section. Make four blanks in this way. Leave the resulting frame to dry completely. This usually takes at least a day.
Stage 2: working with frame blanks
Next, cut each of the planks at a 45-degree angle on both sides. A simple protractor will help you in the absence of other tools. To do this, just take a sheet of paper in a box. Draw a square on it. Then its corners should be connected using diagonals. Place the bar on the resulting marking. Using a protractor and pencil, draw a line. Then just cut off what you don't need.
Next, we proceed to gluing the parts at an angle of 90 degrees. Connect two planks. When dry, glue the remaining corners together. Existing gaps between the corners can be easily masked using wood putty. So, you have a frame. Now you need to make a place to insert the photo on the back side. Glue four tubes at a distance of approximately 5-8 mm from the window. It is also necessary to make a device for. To do this, you just need to pierce two holes on the top tube, intended for inserting a photo. Thread a wire through it. As a result, you will receive a loop by which the picture can be hung on the wall.
Finally, at the final stage, the frame should be primed. This is necessary to increase strength. To make the primer, take 1 part water, 2 parts PVA and 2 parts paint. Stir until a homogeneous mass is formed. Prime the frame two to four times, drying in between. After this, you can paint the frame in any color that matches your interior. Finally, coat the product with water-based varnish. Thus, it is easy to make photo frames for the wall with your own hands.
Other options for making your own picture frames
There are other options for making frames with your own hands. For example, they can be made from cardboard and other handy materials. Such frames can be decorated with various details that match the style of the interior. These can be beads, dried flowers, embroidery elements, etc. Many such accessories can be purchased at a bookstore or specialized craft store.
Or you can not bother yourself with unnecessary work and purchase a ready-made set of photo frames for the wall. In this case, you will receive a finished composition, all the details of which will be optimally combined with each other. All you have to do is choose the photos you like.
Photo placement options
The most important thing when creating a collage is to place the photographs correctly so that they form a single whole and are not arranged chaotically.
How can you attach pictures to the wall besides traditional frames? There are also more original options that do not require investment of money and a lot of effort. For example, a photo can be attached using regular clothespins. In this case, the pictures are placed on a clothesline. This will create the effect of a photo studio in the apartment. It's as if the photographs are still drying after being developed. In this case, you can easily change the composition by adding new photos or replacing boring ones.
You can create a photo collage without using frames at all. This option will fit perfectly into.
An interesting option would be to create a real family tree of the family on the wall. To do this, you will need photographs of the entire dynasty, which should be placed according to the seniority of family members in the form of a tree with branches. In this case, elderly family members will be placed on the crown of the tree. With another option for placing the photo, you can place the youngest family members in the center. In this case, all small-sized photos can be combined into one frame.
A creative approach to the design of wall paintings: framed paintings are placed on open shelves that exactly follow the shape of the frame. The best personal photos combined with pictures of floral and geometric patterns, etc. - a group of framed photographs taking up space on the stairs leading to the second floor of the house
Photos placed in .will look beautiful. This place will unite all family members. In principle, photographs can be hung in any room - the main thing is not to overdo it. After all, if all the walls are covered with photographs, this will only overload the interior.
Wall decoration Framed photographs are an interesting solution that will decorate any room. Moreover, it is easy to implement. It is enough to “arm yourself” with imagination and a minimum of necessary tools. A little time - and the collage is ready. And if you involve all family members in this creative activity, it will only unite them among themselves and force them to relive these moments at the end of the work, admiring the result of joint creativity.
