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:

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Those are really cute! Great idea.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Very clever idea!

Katherine

Beth at Aunties said...

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~♥

Angie said...

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!!!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

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

JEWELGIRL said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Gone said...

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

~Blessings,
Jan

The Quintessential Magpie said...

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

Georgia Girl said...

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

Betty said...

What a precious keepsake....Betty

Dawn said...

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

Jinx said...

What a fun idea!

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

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

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

Hootin Anni said...

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.

A Hint of Home said...

What a neat idea! They turned out really cute.

Anonymous said...

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

Bo said...

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

Nola said...

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)!

SmilingSally said...

These would make darling gifts. How special!

JudyBug said...

What a sweet idea!

Anonymous said...

Cute idea!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Darlene said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

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

Being Mrs Miles said...

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!

Heather said...

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:)

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

How clever is that? Super cute.

Thanks!

nikkicrumpet said...

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!

Anonymous said...

What a unique idea!

Sandra Evertson said...

Beautiful!
Sandra

Anonymous said...

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!!

Lorrie said...

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

Anonymous said...

That such a cute idea!

Manuela

Jules from "The Roost" said...

The black and white is cool! :)

Jules said...

What a cute idea! Thanks for sharing.

Chris said...

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

Magnolia Memories08 said...

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...

Picket said...

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.

The Berry's Patch said...

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

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

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

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

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

American Homemaker said...

That's a really great idea.

Jenny said...

love your candles, thanks for the inspiration!!

Hugs,
Jenny in Maine

gina said...

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

Thanks !

Kelli said...

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