Do you have an old wooden window frame in your basement or attic? Is there one collecting dust in your garage? It is the kind of item you see at yard sales or thrift stores for next to nothing. Old window frames often have an unusual appearance that can add interest to your pictures. In this day and age of reusing old materials to make something new this is the perfect project for the green thinker.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden Frame
- Computer with family photos
- Printer
- Pen
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Exacto knife
- Ruler
- Optional-Hanging hardware
- Optional-Glass panes
Preparation
- Draw a small sketch of your window frame.
- Measure the openings of each pane of your window frame. Make sure to include the inside ridge the picture will sit in.
- On your drawing write the pane measurements in each space of your drawing that corresponds to the area measured.
- Cut a piece of cardboard for each pane matching the inside measurement.
Preparing the Photograph
There are two different ways to use your window. The first is to use a different photo for each opening. The second option is more dramatic and uses one photo that is enlarged and divided into sections to fill the window with one large photograph. Choose which option you would like and follow those directions.
Option One-Using a different photo for each pane.
- Choose the number of pictures as you have panes in your window. There is no rule that says you can only have one person per pane or that you can't include scenery from a favorite place or vacation.
- Print each photo as close to your pane measurements as possible. Trim to size with your exacto.
- If you are using glass, insert the glass into each pane.
- Arrange your pictures in the order you prefer and place them in each pane.
- Follow the pictures with the cardboard. If your cardboard is snug, it will hold the picture secure. If not, add some tape to keep it in place.
Option Two-Using one photograph for the entire window
- Choose your photo based on where the bands of the panes will cut the picture. You don't want someones face cut in half. It is easier with scenery but will work with a people as long as you keep the bands in mind.
- Copy and save the picture to the computer prior to any alterations.
- Print an 8"x10" copy of the picture and cut it in the areas the larger photo will need to be cut to give you a template.
- Crop the computer image so that it matches an individual piece of the cut image.
- Enlarge it to fit the pane. Print.
- Repeat for each piece of the picture you cut from the 8"x10".
- Lay the glass in each pane.
- Lay the photos in the order to reassemble the picture into a whole.
- Back with the cardboard.
You can lean it on a mantle or add the hanging hardware and install it on a wall.
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