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Home » Blog » Photo Garland

Photo Garland

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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I have sent a photo Christmas card every year I’ve been married. I always displayed these photos in frame, but last year I decided that it looked ridiculous-way too much clutter for me and I didn’t have a table big enough to set them all anyways!

At the same time, I was also desperate to find something original AND affordable AND durable (picture boys sliding down full blast) to decorate my stairway banister.

 I came up with this:

068 069075

044 046 047 048 064 066Every year’s photo is on one side of this little plaque, and the other side has the year in order (1-17)  and the date (1993-2009).

I’m proud of myself…I love it!  Visitors comment on them when they walk in the door, and the kids can all see how much they’ve grown, and I can see how are family has grown from just the 2 of us to all 7 over all these years.  Lovely! 

And here’s the coolest thing:  They are VERY inexpensive and easy to make. 

Here’s what you need:

1. Scrapbook paper (NOT the really thick kind) in coordinating colors.

031  2. These little thin wooden boards that you can find at Michaels or Hobby Lobby….99 cents, and look for them on sale!033 3. Decoupage stuff and a wide sponge brush. I like the matte kind of decoupage..(not gloss like the photo shows)…matte or satin finish hides imperfections better.0344. A whole puncher and some kind of stencil and cutting tool to cut circles. (An Exacto knife works too if you have a steady hand or just use old fashioned scissors if you have to). I bought this kit at Michaels with my 40% off coupon.0325.  Ribbon to hang your ornament with. 067Step by Step Instructions:

1. Make copies or use your printer to print out whatever photos you have chosen.  If you know how, print them out at the exact size as the wooden plaques, 5 x 6.  I just printed mine out as 5×7’s and then cropped the 7” to a 6” because I’m not that computer literate.  I also just used plain old printer paper-nothing fancy!  I printed them all as black and whites to make them more uniform looking.  

While you are on the computer, you can make the numbers…I used white card stock and Bookman Old Style font at the 72 size for the middle number and 18 for the outer date.  You will cut these numbers into circles later so leave plenty of room between them on the paper.

0532. Take a drill and drill a hole in each wooden plaque so you can insert the ribbon.  Remember that some of your photos may be the long way (vertical) or the short way (horizontal)…so put that hole on the long side or the short side of the plaque!0513. Next cut a piece of scrapbook paper for the wooden plaque and make sure it’s about 1” bigger on all sides.  Trace where the hole you drilled is on the paper and use a hole puncher to punch that paper.0544.  Get out your Modge Podge and your brush.  If you’ve never decoupaged before, don’t worry…it’s so easy!  (I hadn’t either before I did this, believe it or not!)  Take your sponge brush and brush that piece of scrapbook paper on the plain white side all over with the Modge Podge.

5. Place the plaque carefully and centered on that sticky paper and then wrap it on the other side like a present.  Smooth out the wrinkles.0586. Now take your photo (that is either the exact size of the plaque or a little smaller), and mark with a pencil where the hole should go…punch that out with the hole puncher.  Now use your sponge to coat the wrong side of that photo with the Modge Podge, and stick it on.

0597. Let’s do something cute with that number you printed out.  I made a few bigger circles to place behind it to add some color.  Use Modge Podge on the back of those circles…get them all stuck together and then stick them on the back of your wooden plaque.060 8.  You are going to coat each side (wait till one side dries till you do the other) with the Modge Podge and your sponge brush.  This gives a very sealed, shiny, protective coat.  0619.  Look we didn’t even get to # 10 and we’re done!  Insert a ribbon through that hole and WALLAH!

040 These would be so cute on a tree or on a garland by the fireplace too.

And just so you know:  Mine are FAR from perfect. They still look cute though and hanging all together no one notices (or tells me they notice!) the imperfections.  Mine are also VERY simple…I know the scrap booking experts out there can show me up on this one as far as design goes!  

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November 30, 2010 · 54 Comments

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  1. vera says

    November 30, 2010 at 5:34 am

    I loved this last year and I still do! I wonder (and maybe you've shown us and I can't remember) – how do you display Christmas cards that you get? I love looking at everyone else's kids and cards, but I want a new way… I used to pin them to velvet ribbons and just hang them on a door in my living room. Sometimes I just put them on the mantel. But I need a new idea!

    Reply
  2. Tam - UniqueBoutique says

    November 30, 2010 at 6:51 am

    I love that idea – thank you so much x

    Reply
  3. Seizing My Day says

    November 30, 2010 at 6:54 am

    I love love love it! hm… I wonder if I can pull it off! or a version of it anyway! ?? 😉 I will let you know if I do! Have a blessed week!

    Reply
  4. Cindy B says

    November 30, 2010 at 7:04 am

    fabulous idea! I'm going to steel it and use our yearly "Christmas morning in front of the tree pictures". What a great way to share memories with your kids, family, and friends.

    Reply
  5. Amanda Medlin says

    November 30, 2010 at 7:25 am

    That is amazing! You are so creative.

    Reply
  6. En støvel og en sko says

    November 30, 2010 at 7:53 am

    What a fantastic idea! My draw is overflowing with those kind of pictures, so maybe I'll give this a go, next year…

    Reply
  7. {cindy} says

    November 30, 2010 at 11:36 am

    Sarah, they look amazing!!!
    What a great way to see all of your Christmas memories at once! Beautiful!
    You should be proud!!:)
    Enjoy the day,
    Cindy

    Reply
  8. Carrie says

    November 30, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    I love it!! Such a great idea!!

    Reply
  9. Julie Johnson says

    November 30, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Thank you for this! My bannister isn't very big…just a few spindles, but I'm going to make this work somewhere…even if it's around my kitchen bay window. I had mine in frames too…but it's too cumbersome! Love it!

    Reply
  10. S says

    November 30, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    adorable idea! LOVE it! Would work well with school pics too I would think!

    Reply
  11. Amy says

    November 30, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    Love this! Since we've only sent out one Christmas card, I think I'm going to have to "bookmark" this to try later 🙂 But it is definitely going in my "things to do one day" file! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  12. kristine says

    November 30, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    love them!!! great idea! i've never kicked myself for not doing a card every year until now! 🙂

    Reply
  13. Jenny says

    November 30, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    This is the absolute best idea!! Love it!!
    I will use this for our yearly pictures with Santa!

    Reply
  14. Grace in my Heart says

    November 30, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    LOVE THIS!!! Thanks for letting me steal your idea! 😉 Seriously, move over Mar.tha Ste.wart…you should be the one making the millions!

    Reply
  15. Farmgirl Paints says

    November 30, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Oh my goodness. This is one of the best ideas I've seen. I LOVE IT! Now it's finding the time to do it.

    Reply
  16. Sara W says

    November 30, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    I loved this last year and bookmarked it. In January my sister and I got together and made these – it was a fun project. I'm so excited to get them out this year! Thanks for the idea.

    Reply
  17. Katie says

    November 30, 2010 at 2:57 pm

    I am not crafty at ALL, but I love this idea so much, I might break down and try to make it 🙂

    Reply
  18. Dana Rae says

    November 30, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Oh My! What a Great Idea!!! I love it! Last year I filled my Christmas Tree with pictures of Christmas past – my parents, grandparents, sister and now this would be a great thing to do with those. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  19. Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says

    November 30, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    I am so proud of myself – I did this last year and it has been a kid favorite – it also gives everyone something to look at! I love it!

    Reply
  20. Andrea Dekker says

    November 30, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    Stunning — simply stunning!

    Reply
  21. Chinny and Poom says

    November 30, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    Thanks for posting this again this year. I was trying to figure out what to do with 14 years of Christmas Pictures and couldn't remember where I saw that "great idea" from someones blog from last year. It was you and what a great idea. Thanks

    Reply
  22. marlowe says

    November 30, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Sarah, so cute — my girls will love doing this this weekend!

    Reply
  23. Twin City Organizer says

    November 30, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    I love this, great idea to display all those cards from years past.

    Reply
  24. Heather @ Life Made Lovely says

    November 30, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    such a great idea! it's simple and so very lovely!!

    Reply
  25. Two Little Tots says

    November 30, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    this is on my list to do this week…hoping i get it done. i love it!

    Reply
  26. CRICKET says

    November 30, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    I am not so crafty so my solution was to use small frames and put on the xmas tree. I like the way you put the garland on the stiarcase so I am going to have to copy that!

    Reply
  27. Brian and Staci says

    November 30, 2010 at 5:06 pm

    I just love this Sarah 🙂 So great!

    Reply
  28. Courtney says

    November 30, 2010 at 5:27 pm

    Love this! Can't wait to try it out. Really cute idea.

    Reply
  29. Elizabeth says

    November 30, 2010 at 5:53 pm

    What a great idea! There are so many applications for this. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  30. Richella Parham says

    November 30, 2010 at 6:05 pm

    Honestly, I don't think this could be any more adorable. It's absolutely DARLING! Makes me wish I'd taken a Christmas photo every year!

    Reply
  31. Jenny says

    November 30, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    I love these!!!! I so want to copy! Thanks for sharing. I have mini frames with my kids' photos in them one for each year and I put them all on one tree, I cry every year, in a good way, as i put them up. Photo decoration is the best.

    Reply
  32. Frugal Chic Living says

    November 30, 2010 at 8:00 pm

    Love! Love! Love! I am totally copying you! Thanks!

    Reply
  33. Sidekick says

    November 30, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    This is such a great idea! I'm going to do this with the kids Santa pictures! THANKS!

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    November 30, 2010 at 8:35 pm

    I RARELY coment on blogs. So take this as a HUGE compliment. I LOVE this idea. LOVE LOVE! I think I'll do it as ornaments for our tree. My mom used to break apart clothes pins and make them into stars and put our school pics on them for ornaments. I loved looking through them every year. This is an updated (adorable) version. THanks for sharing.

    Reply
  35. Alicia says

    November 30, 2010 at 8:47 pm

    I loved this idea so much last year that I copied it right then – even though I knew I wouldn't be able to use it until now! I just pulled the pictures out this weekend and they made me so happy I giggled. Thanks for sharing such a great idea.

    Reply
  36. Shannon says

    November 30, 2010 at 11:03 pm

    I love this idea! What a keepsake for your children!

    Reply
  37. lwb says

    December 1, 2010 at 12:41 am

    Awesome!!!

    Reply
  38. Pam says

    December 1, 2010 at 2:30 am

    Sarah this is so awesome! Thank you for the tutorial!! I think we posted our new blog headers at the same time..love yours!!

    Reply
  39. Cath says

    December 1, 2010 at 4:32 am

    This is darling! If I could escape the house long enough to gather the supplies I would take this on. Maybe next year! At this rate, Amazon is my best friend (love that picture in your header). And for the record, I am in love with your monthly headers. They make me happy! Hope you're doing well!

    Reply
  40. kieran10 says

    December 1, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    I.LOVE.THIS.

    Reply
  41. Cathy M~(checkitoff) says

    December 2, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Sarah, I mentioned this post in my most recent blog post (about holiday cards). I loved this idea when you posted it last year & did a sim. project for Valentine's Day (the hearts are a bit tricky to wrap and I still have Modge Podge on my counter. It cracks me up because my ocd friend is always trying to clean it off the counter & I just say, "its Modge Podge"!).

    I love your idea because anyone who enters will know that it is all about family at your house! My banister & railing is the same as yours. Wish I had the white painted trim & wainscoting. I love your wall color! Do you know the name of it?
    hugs, Cathy

    Reply
  42. The Bonjour Four says

    December 3, 2010 at 7:25 am

    what a creative idea! love it! and i love your blog too!

    Reply
  43. Angela says

    December 3, 2010 at 8:15 pm

    Thank you for sharing such a great idea! I love doing Christmas crafts – but always end up biting off more than I can chew (thus they never get finished). But this looks so doable that I'm making it my project for the weekend.

    Reply
  44. Unknown says

    December 4, 2010 at 3:26 am

    I love this! You picked great papers – and of course, great pictures 😀

    Reply
  45. B says

    December 4, 2010 at 4:16 am

    Wow. These are original and very cute and it's fun to know there can be more every year. Great idea.

    Reply
  46. Tiffany says

    December 10, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    This is so simple yet beautiful, I luv it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  47. Shawni says

    December 14, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    THAT is a cool idea. I need to do that.

    Reply
  48. Wholesale Flooring Distributors says

    December 15, 2010 at 3:49 am

    This is one of the sweetest and coolest ideas that I have ever seen for Christmas decorations! Adorable! Can't wait to have a family to do something similar 😉

    Reply
  49. Amanda says

    December 16, 2010 at 2:46 am

    Just dropping by to let you know that I linked to this post in a round up today from the Home & Garden channel at Craft Gossip. 🙂 This will appear in the main Craft Gossip RSS feed, on the main home page and can be found directly here
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/9-garland-ideas-for-the-holidays/

    If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

    Reply
  50. Anonymous says

    December 3, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    Oh goodness, I found your blogs many months ago and then someone closed my window and I have been looking for you since them. I just found you now Google something different wow! glad I found you again. How can we subscribe to you? adoyo80@yahoo.com

    Reply
  51. Kim says

    December 14, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    I am so doing this….
    After the New Year! Awesome idea!

    Reply
  52. Robin Sears says

    December 20, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Thank you so much! I love your blog and look for it everyday – I loved this idea last year and just finished making one this year!!!! THANK YOU!

    Reply
  53. Robin Sears says

    December 20, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    Thank you so much – I love your blog and read it every day – I wish you lived in Massachusetts! Anyway – I read about your garland last year and FINALLY made one last night! It is so much fun to see the children grow over the last 16 years on my new garland@!

    Reply
  54. Jill says

    January 10, 2012 at 4:41 am

    I love this & will link back to it soon. I don't have a banister though… trying to think where I could hang these. Hmmm..

    Reply

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Welcome!

Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

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Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. 🍃
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! 🏡
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
🍃
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
🍃
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
🍃
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! ☀️
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
🍃
I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
🍃
Clip on bed lights save space. 
🍃
A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
🍃
When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
🍃
All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. ☀️🌷🌱
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
☀️
When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
☀️
More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
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