Here are pics of some of the photo luminaries I put together (with assistance from my hunny + one of my sisters) for my Mum's 60th Birthday Dinner...
We were all really pleased with how they turned out. The dining area had low levels of light, so these glowing luminaries were perfect centerpieces for the evening and brought a stir of chatter from the guests as they perused all the pictures.
Want to recreate this project for your own dinner or event?
Just follow these easy steps!!
MaterialsIdentical photo frames
Printable vellum (either inkjet or laser, depending on your printer)
Scanner
Photo software
Votive candles and votive glasses
Bookbinding tape or colored duct tape
Directions1. Scan in your old photos.
2. Use photo software to change the color of the photo to either black and white or sepia tone. I used sepia tone since we were using unfinished wooden frames.
You will need to be sure your orientation is the same for each luminary. So you need at least three portrait-oriented pictures or three landscape-oriented pictures. If your pictures aren't the same orientation, use a photo cropping tool accordingly.
3. Print your images onto vellum, following the manufacturer's instructions. You will likely need to allow the vellum to dry before moving to the next step.
4. Cut your printed photos to size so they will fit inside each frame.
5. Place the vellum inside the frame first, and THEN put the glass in. This will keep each piece of vellum snugly in place and will prevent the vellum from being burned or marred by the candle.
6. Construct your luminary by placing three frames side by side. Cut your tape of choice slightly smaller than the height of your frame and seal two of the frame "seams" together using the tape. Use a bone folder to rub the tape and ensure it is firmly affixed.
7. For the third and final corner of the luminary, you will need to fold the frames into the triangle shape. Then, place the tape inside the luminary on the third and final seam, again using a bone folder to be sure the tape is properly affixed.
AND... Tadaaaaa! Total time spent: 45 minutes to an hour.
Put candles in glass holders inside each luminary and enjoy the warm glow and fond memories!!
Here is this project on MS's website too.
Here is a list of the exact materials I used for my project:
Photo Frames from IKEA
HP Inket Printable Vellum
Apple's iPhoto software
White duct tape
(Many thanks to my sister, Ailsa, for sending these pics to me!)
xxoo!!