Thursday, November 20, 2008

Easy Christmas Photo Craft

I love my Christmas pictures from past years, and am always looking for different ways to display them.

Here's an idea that I found in a new Christmas idea magazine. To make these 'photo' candles, you need cylinder candles (these two both have come from garage sales), Vellum paper (plain white paper works too) and

Favorite digital Christmas pictures......
Use a photo editing program to crop the pictures to a size that will fit the candle. I think close ups are more effective. I used Picasa 3 and edited the photos to sepia tone. I printed one of them as a 5 by 7 and also an 8 by 10 to see which fit better.

Trim the pictures to fit the cylinders, wrap around the outside, and secure on back with clear tape. Place a votive inside and when the candle is lit, the photograph will glow!
Here are two that I made. It is hard to get a picture that shows the true effect with or without the flash.

I think this will be more effective in a grouping-I plan to continue to look for cylinder shaped containers so I can add to the collection. The one on the right already has a candle poured in it, so only the top half glows.

Before printing on the Vellum paper, try it on regular paper since the Vellum is more expensive.

I can see lots of possibilities with this project! You could use square glass holders and place a photo on each side. Also, wouldn't this be a great idea to display pictures for for a wedding, birthday or anniversary celebration?

Email me if you want to try this, and have any questions. I hope I made the directions clear.

For more Show and Tell Friday posts, visit Kelli at There's No Place Like Home.


And for more Friday Holiday Linky Fun visit Melissa at The Inspired Room.

Thanks for the visit!

46 comments:

  1. Diane,

    What a wonderful idea and it looks like a lot of work! Do you always use Picasa for your photos? I am trying to figure out a new place to store mine. I bet Connor will love them!

    Beth~♥

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  2. This is one of the neatest projects I've seen! I need to do this with some family pictures and I know my mom (or anybody) would love to get this as a Christmas gift. THANKS!!!

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  3. The photos look so nice with the candle flickering behind them! I bet would look lovely with scenery too. Nice idea -- thanks for sharing it Diane!

    HUgs, Pat

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  4. What a lovely gift this would make
    for family or friends!!! Great Idea!

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  5. I bet you gets lots of comments on these! I think they would make wonderful gifts. I do a few like this but with vintage graphics.

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  6. What a wonderful idea, Diane. Your directions are very clear to me.

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

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  7. Diane, this is such a clever idea! And I love the boys pictures you selected. Thanks for giving us this tutorial, too. You are so sweet to share. :-)

    XO,

    Sheila

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  8. Great idea! I have seen these type jars at the Dollar Store. Thanks for sharing!
    Beth

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  9. What a precious keepsake....Betty

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  10. Diane, that is a teriffic idea!!! I think your candles are beautiful! I'm sure once you have a group of them together they will just "shine". Thanks for sharing.

    take care,
    Dawn

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  11. What a fun idea!

    I can think of tons of great vacation photos that would make great gifts!

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  12. Your blog header is just too cute--and so is this idea! I never would've thought to do this. Thanks for sharing. :-)

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  13. Oh my gosh this is so cool!!!

    Come view my show n tell if you can find time. It's a new 'hobby' of mine started just this past week. Happy Friday, happy weekend.

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  14. What a neat idea! They turned out really cute.

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  15. Morning Diane! These are adorable and your instructions are very clear!! Thank you; I must try this!!!! Lots of possibilities. Have a great weekend - Sincerely, Jeannette

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  16. Hi Diane...I smile everytime I come to your blog because of Cooper's sweet face...and Connor is so cute and always looks like a little gentleman...so I can see you'll have a wealth of wonderful photos to choose from for this great idea! ;-) Bo

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  17. Good morning Diane! I love that idea; wouldn't it be sweet to do a candle for each family member; especially the ones who've "gone on to their reward". I have special ornaments in memory of my loved ones, and I think this would be special to do also; it keeps them with me at Christmas (if only in my dreams, as the song says)!

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  18. These would make darling gifts. How special!

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  19. Cute idea!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  20. Those are WONDERFUL! Love the pictures in them with the candle lit.....sounds easy too...thanks!

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  21. Gosh Diane, I didn't visit yesterday. What was I doing. Therapy for one thing. Only one more week of that. Sigh.. I need it but it will soon be three months.

    The candles are a fabulous idea and I think I could do that. Did you glue the photo in place on the glass? They are adorable with Connor and Cooper. I agree, do all the family. What fun and a great display.

    TGIF it's Friday, have a great weekend.

    Hugs...Jeanne

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  22. What a cute craft and it looks so easy! I may have to try this. Thanks!

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  23. Hmmm - gift idea for our parents - TAKEN CARE OF, thanks to your idea. he he, Mother burns a TON of candles, this will 'warm' her heart!

    How clever, I'm so glad you taught us this!

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  24. These are fantastic! I am always looking for ways to dress my mantle- these will work! I think I'll have to make some as gifts too!
    I am having a give away- you should stop by!
    Have a great weekend!
    -Heather:)

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  25. Hey Diane...now that is brilliant. And you're right...so many applications for this. I can see them at a wedding....baby shower....endless possiblities. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea!

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  26. What a unique idea!

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  27. I'm wondering if the tracing paper that you can buy by the pad at Walmonster will work.

    This is a great idea...I love the glow it gives to the pictures!!

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  28. How fun is that?! I can see all sorts of possiblities! I just love digital photography, don't you?

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  29. That such a cute idea!

    Manuela

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  30. What a cute idea! Thanks for sharing.

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  31. What a terrific idea, Diane! And I love that picture! Too adorable!

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  32. Oh so precious Diane. He is our little angel. You are so creative with that idea. It sure is a sweet picture of Connor. I just had to tell you he is our little doll...

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  33. That is so sweet Diane..a grouping of them in different heights would be pretty also....I still want to know how you do your header pic girl! Hope you have a great weekend sweetie.

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  34. What a cute idea Diane! These would make cute grandparent gifts. :-)

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  35. Wonderful ideal Diane.These are so unique.My grand daughters would love to do this !Thanks for sharing with us.

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  36. What a great idea!! I'm going to ahve to try this one!!! Your post gave me some great ideas!!

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  37. love your candles, thanks for the inspiration!!

    Hugs,
    Jenny in Maine

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  38. What a super cute idea! these would make great gifts too- and I think they would look good grouped- maybe even different heights. :)

    Thanks !

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  39. What a wonderful idea...it's beautiful!
    ~Kelli

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Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post. Your comments are welcome. Please come back, and I'll stop by to visit you too!
Diane