How to Create Cards from Old Photos

Do you ever find stuff you forgot about? As I was hunting in my studio for something I needed for a class, I found a stack of photos that I’d saved while going through my parents’ plethora of photo albums. There must have been 50 of them – no joke! I remember saving a group of pictures to use for reference, but as my attention turned to other things, I forgot all about them until my recent hunting expedition. 😉

I was inspired to select a couple of my favorite images to use for this episode of Drama-free Friday. I began experimenting with the black and white photo of my childhood Boxer named Wendy. My parents bought her as a small puppy when I was only a few months. She was my constant companion until I was 14 years old.

To begin this project, I placed Tracing Paper over the photograph and traced 2 major shapes – Wendy's head and her body. Next, I scanned the small image into my computer using an inexpensive HP printer. After enlarging the image, I printed it out and chose some pastel scrapbook papers for fun. I placed the large image of Wendy on my Artograph Light Pad along with my chosen papers. After tracing the pieces with pencil, I created the details with a Dylusions Black Paint Pen and then inked the edges with Distress Oxide Inks. I then glued the pieces together with an Elmer's Xtreme Glue Stick and glued the entire image to Black Card Stock so a black outline would remain when I cut it out. I repeated the entire process with a second set of papers. I loved the way they turned out!

The paper Wendy images were too big for my card bases, so I scanned them into my computer where I could easily resize them. After a couple of tests, I printed my Wendy images on White Card Stock and cut them out with scissors. To eliminate the white edge of the card stock, I used a Black Brush Pitt Artist Pen. After the images were prepared, I selected colorful Pre-folded Card Bases and decided whether or not to add a mat. The mats are attached with double-sided tape and Wendy is glued with an Elmer’s Xtreme Glue Stick. To vary the cards (because I can’t stand doing exactly the same thing again and again) I challenged myself to add details with flowers, dog bones and tiny hearts. Of course it wouldn’t be a card I created without some words. I chose a variety of short sentiments that will fit a variety of situations. I absolutely love these cards! And I love remembering all the years Wendy kept my secrets. 😉

My dad was a Professor of Floriculture at our local university so it stands to reason that he took thousands of photographs of flora and fauna. I chose an image of a beautiful yellow lily from one of my parents’ many gardens. I used the same process to translate the image into paper. After printing the images in the size to fit my cards, I played with background color and finished creating the cards. I really enjoyed this image, too.

The great part about having these images in my computer is that I can print more anytime I need them! It’s a fun way to multiply my effort and remember special moments, too.

Be sure to click the images below to see the details.