Few things add warmth to a home like displaying pictures of family and friends. Whether you display important milestone moments or candid snapshots, photos have an incredible ability to bring a sense of life to any room.
If you are looking for DIY photo décor ideas, look no further. These Photo Collage Letters make for an easy craft project that is sure to please. This photo collage craft adds a homemade touch that is inviting and lively.
There are two great reasons for you to give this DIY craft a try. First, working through this craft project is a fun reason to look through your photos. Many of our older pictures go unnoticed, and this project gives you a great reason to scroll back through your camera roll and remember some hidden gems you may have forgotten about.
The second great reason to try this craft is that it is extremely versatile. These photo collage letters can become the centerpiece of a hanging photo wall, a bold accent piece on top of a dresser or table, or an amazing gift for a parent or friend. With so many fun options, these photo collage letters are sure to bring a smile to a loved one’s face.
What You Need
What you need for this project depends in part on which HP Sprocket you have on hand. If you are using the HP Sprocket or Sprocket Select, the sticky-backed prints go a long way in making this project simpler. Here’s what you need for either of those two printers.
- 12” Paper mâché or wooden letters (available at any craft store)
- Craft paint & foam paint brush (optional)
- Printed photos (each letter will use between 8-10 photos)
- Scissors
If you are using the HP Sprocket Studio, the larger prints will mean you need fewer photos per letter. It will, however, mean you need a few extra supplies.
- 12” Paper mâché or wooden letters (available at any craft store)
- Glue that works with your letters
- Craft paint & foam paint brush (optional)
- Sandpaper and Poly Spray Sealant (optional)
- Printed photos (each letter will use between 5-7 photos)
- Scissors
How To Make Photo Collage Letters
The first thing you will want to do is prepare your letters. If you are going to paint them, make sure you choose a paint that will work with your letters. In most cases, acrylic craft paint or spray paint are inexpensive, effective options. Allow your paint to fully dry before moving on to any other step.
Next, print out a few photos to give yourself some options. With the HP Sprocket app, you can quickly print pictures from your camera roll or from any connected social media accounts. It can be helpful to print a few extra photos before starting to give yourself some flexibility.
Next, decide the way you want to lay out your pictures. Arranging them beforehand will ensure you have enough photos to cover the face of the letters entirely. Once you decide how to layout your photos, take a picture with your cell phone to help you remember exactly how you want it to look.
If you are using the Sprocket or Sprocket Select, turn the letters over with the pictures facing down and trace the outline of the letters on your pictures. By tracing the outline of the letter, you can then cut the photo to the perfect size. After your picture is cut to size, remove the backing and adhere the picture to the letters.
If you are using the HP Sprocket Studio, the process will look very similar. Use a small amount of glue to hold your photos loosely in place, then turn the letter over to trace the back. Once traced, remove the pictures and cut them to size. Paint a thin layer of glue onto your letters before adhering the photos into place. Use a paper towel to remove any glue that seeps through the pictures.
Repeat this process until your letters are filled with pictures. For an extra-clean finish, use fine grit sandpaper to smooth the edges of where your photos meet. Then, seal your pictures in place with poly sealant spray. This will help protect your pictures, but it is not required for a beautiful result.
Put Your Sprocket to Work
Now that you are armed with ideas, it’s your turn to create photo collage magic. Any HP Sprocket printer is an amazing tool for bringing pictures to live with high-quality, lightning-fast printing. See your photos in a whole new way with this and many other craft ideas from the HP Sprocket family.