Photos capture some of our most special moments. It seems, for me anyway, I’m constantly taking pictures of my family but they don’t seem to get printed nearly enough. The days of camera phones and digital cameras have changed the way we take photos and what we do with them. This holiday season I’m making an effort to not only print some of my favorite moments but to create DIY Ceramic Photo Gifts with them.
I’ve made some special ornaments for out tree and to give to my parents. I also made tiles that beautifully display photos from a day at the beach with some dear friends. I can’t wait to give these gifts to the people I love!
DIY Ceramic Photo Gifts
Supplies:
- Ceramic tiles or ceramic ornaments
- Color copies of favorite photos – not photo paper, simple copy paper
- White glue – like Elmer’s
- Water
- Sponge paint brushes
- Spray clear urethane or clear nail polish
Instructions:
In a small bowl mix together 2 parts glue to 1 part water. I did 3 oz of glue and 1 1/2 oz of water. This was enough to do several tiles and ornaments. Make sure the mixture is well blended.
Trim the photo to the size and shape of the ornament or tile. I left some white space around my photo to add a special message and date with a paint pen later.
Lay the photo face down and apply a coat of the glue/water mixture using the sponge brush.
Turn the photo over and carefully lay it on the tile or ornament. Gently smooth the photo out, removing any wrinkles or bubbles. Do not press to hard or pull as the paper is fragile when wet and can tear.
Once the photo is smooth on the tile, apply another coat of the glue/water mixture with the sponge brush. Let the tile dry completely.
When the tile is completely dry, add an addition coat of the mixture. Let it dry and repeat several more times.
After you’ve applied several coats of the glue/water mixture and the tile is dry, carefully add 1-2 coats of urethane to each piece. You can coat with clear nail polish if you prefer but this is a bit harder to get completely smooth. I used nail polish for this ornament.
Have you made any DIY Photo Gifts? I’d love to hear your ideas for making special gifts from photos!
Molly says
Could u use mod podge instead of the glue and water mixture?
Meagan says
This idea is really cute and I’m so happy you shared. Makes a homemade gift mean just a little something more! I can’t wait to try this!