Photo craft projects your kids will love!
Looking for fun and creative ways to engage your kids while nurturing their artistic talent
I have a collection of hands-on activities that blend photography and crafting to inspire their imaginations (and potentially taking a few of those images out of your camera roll and placing them out into the world)!
Project 1: DIY Photo Magnets
Transform your favorite family photos into adorable magnets that brighten up your fridge (or anywhere a magnet can go). Unleash your kids' creativity as they choose special memories and turn them into mini works of art.
All you need are:
Small photos printed (regular paper is fine)
Clear cabochons or gems (I found some on Etsy - 20 for $4.30)
Strong adhesive, like PVA glue
Small magnets - find some of those large real estate magnets you have stuck on the fridge ...
Scissors
Instructions:
Choose your favorite family photos and print them at a size slightly smaller than the glass cabochons or gems.
Cut out the photos, ensuring they fit the flat side of the glass cabochons or gems.
Apply a small amount of adhesive to the flat side of the glass cabochons or gems.
Press the photo onto the adhesive, ensuring it's centered.
Let the adhesive dry completely.
Attach a small piece of magnet to the back of the glass marble using adhesive.
Allow the magnets to dry before using or displaying on your fridge.
Project 2: Personalized Photo Collages
Create one-of-a-kind collages that capture the essence of special moments. Watch as your kids arrange photos, cutouts, and decorative elements to craft unique pieces that reflect their personality.
All you need are:
Photos in various sizes
Card stock or poster board - old cereal boxes are perfect!
Glue or adhesive tape
Scissors
Decorative elements (stickers, markers, colored paper, gems, rhinestones etc.)
Instructions:
Select a theme for your collage, such as "family vacation" or "birthday celebration."
Choose a base for your collage, like card stock or poster board.
Arrange your photos on the base to create a visually pleasing layout.
Once satisfied with the arrangement, glue or tape the photos onto the base.
Add decorative elements around the photos, such as stickers, markers, and colored paper.
Write captions or short descriptions next to each photo to enhance the storytelling aspect.
Allow the collage to dry completely before displaying or framing it.
Project 3: Picture Frame Decor
Turn plain picture frames into eye-catching decorations with a touch of creativity. Your kids will love embellishing frames with colorful materials, transforming them into keepsakes that showcase their favorite memories.
All you need are:
Plain picture frames (you may have some lying around or pop into local op-shops or even into Kmart etc. Small frames can be picked up for as little as $1.25)
Acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Strong adhesive or glue gun
Decorative elements (ribbon, buttons, beads, etc.)
Instructions:
Remove the glass and backing from the picture frames.
Paint the frames in your desired colors using acrylic paint.
Allow the frames to dry completely before proceeding (or use the hairdryer if there is no sun out).
Once dry, apply decorative elements to the frames using adhesive or a glue gun.
Arrange buttons, beads, or other embellishments around the frame's edges.
Allow the adhesive to dry completely before reassembling the frame with the glass and backing.
Display the decorated frames on shelves, tables, or walls to showcase your favorite photos ... better still use these as gifts for family members!
Project 4: Adventure Storyboards
Ignite storytelling skills by creating visual storyboards. Through a series of photos, your kids will embark on an adventure, using their imagination to narrate exciting tales that come to life.
All you need are:
Photos that tell a story or depict a sequence of events
Cardstock or foam board (foam board can be picked up from OfficeWorks or Spotlight)
Glue or adhesive tape
Scissors
Markers or colored pencils
Instructions:
Choose a series of photos that convey a story or sequence of events, such as a day at the park or a family outing.
** Even better if you had the kids take their own photos on a day trip or activity!
Arrange the photos in a linear or grid pattern on the cardstock or foam board.
Glue or tape the photos onto the board in the desired order.
Leave space around each photo for captions or descriptions.
Write captions or short descriptions beneath each photo to narrate the story.
Use markers or colored pencils to add creative elements or drawings that enhance the story.
Allow the storyboard to dry completely before displaying it on a wall or tabletop.
