Have you ever captured the most beautiful moment with your camera or phone, but the quality just was't what you'd desired? It happens to us all. In my last blog post I talked about imperfect photos and how important it is to treasure them, too. They carry our memories and that is beauty in itself.
Today I've got a five ways that you can incorporate these photos into your life and enjoy them each day, instead of hiding them away in an album or computer file.
1) Perpetual Calendars
A couple years ago I made up a small perpetual calendar using some of my favorite snapshots from the year. Some of the photos on it are great and others aren't, but I love them all. It was a fun project and, because it's a perpetual calendar, I am still enjoying it.
Supplies used include: 6 x 8 Acrylic Display Stand by Heidi Swapp, Calendar 2012 Complete Pack by Natali at ScrapbookGraphics.com, Tim Holtz idea-ology birdcage accent, Printed Twill Ribbon by Creative Impressions, and various other ribbons and accents.
2) Cellphone Wallpaper
How many times each day do you look at your cellphone? I can't even guess how many times I check mine. What better place is there, then, to put a favorite picture than on your cellphone wallpaper?
In my last post I showed you a picture I have of my boys. It's grainy and the color is off, but I love it. I've been using it on my cellphone for a couple years now and it makes me happy each time I look at my phone. Below is a screen shot of it. You'll notice that the photo didn't fit the dimensions of the screen, so I just left a black border above and below. It works for me and then I get to see these happy faces throughout my day!
3) Key Chains
This one is an oldie but a goodie. You carry your keys everywhere with you. It makes sense to attach your favorite photo or photos and have them close to you all day.
There are so many options out there for key chains, too. From acrylic photo holder key chains found at the dollar store to mini digital photo frame key chains, there are lots of fun options for carrying your photos with you on your keys.
Here's one I made out of a bottlecap. It was fun, fast and easy. I just used items I had laying around my house including beads from a necklace I no longer use. Check out my Pinterest boards for lots of fun ideas for DIY photo keychains.
4) DIY Photo Coasters
I love using photos in coasters because you get to enjoy them every day with your coffee and you also get to share them with guests when they visit. I received these coasters from my sister-in-law (thanks, Patty!) a few years ago. I just recently updated them with new candid photos and they make me laugh each time I use them.
With these coasters, you just slip your photo into them and you're ready to go. There are so many fun ideas for photo coasters on Pinterest, too. Check out my Pinterest boards for a few of my favorites.
5) Display Them in Groups
When you group photos, they tell a story, and most people will be so interested in the story that they won't notice imperfections in the photos. They may even look like they were stylized that way. Some group ideas include:
- Spontaneous snapshots at an event
- Photos from a family vacation
- Pictures of one child at various ages
- Favorite snapshots of your children or grandchildren
- Family reunion pictures
Here's a Pinterest-inspired display I created for some of my photos. It was perfect for some baby photos of my boys. These were taken with my camera when I was trying out black and white film for the first time. They didn't turn out perfectly but I still love them. By grouping them together, you notice the cute babies instead of the imperfections in the photos.
Try It Yourself
I hope these ideas have inspired you to dust off your imperfect photos and use them to brighten your daily life. If you'd like more ideas, check out my Pinterest boards. Sign up for my newsletter, too, and I'll send you new ideas and inspiration regularly.