I started creating a polaroid film wall a little over a year ago. I have received a number of questions about how I created it, what I used to attach the polaroids, how are they holding up, etc. I knew it was definitely time for a post.
After I scan them, the majority of my polaroids end up in this drawer of my workspace:
This is definitely not the best way to store them! I wanted to display my favorites – and knew that I wanted to make a polaroid film wall. The majority of photo walls that I found online were prints or copies of actual photographs, not the polaroids themselves.
When selecting an adhesive, I knew that I had to decide carefully. These polaroids are all originals, they are not copies or prints. I wanted to preserve them so that I could remove the adhesive if I decided to take the photos down and still keep the photo intact. That ruled out any permanent adhesive. Here is my secret sauce, what has worked for me.
Scotch Restickable Tabs
Adding one more polaroid to the mix, this one captured with the polaroid land camera.
On the back of each polaroid, I attach four of the mini tabs to each corner.
After removing the liner, the polaroid is ready to be attached to the wall.
I like to group the polaroids by size and orientation to maintain a cohesive look and feel.
To secure each photo to the wall, I apply a little pressure to each corner.
Amazingly simple, and definitely a conversation piece in any room. Plus, a way to artfully display your work.
I have noticed that in the winter, some of the edges do curl up due to the heat in the house. I simply push them back down evenly, and they are fine.
Do you like taking pictures? Do you have a Polaroid-type camera? Do you have a ton of great pictures that you have no idea how to display?
I had the same problem, until I saw some glittery clothes-pin style clips at the craft store. I immediately knew I needed to use them with my photographs! Below, I’ll show you 3 super simple ways to creatively decorate with your pictures. (These methods work for any kind of photo, not just Polaroid-style!)
A String Of Memories…
THINGS YOU WILL NEED:
- String
- Clips
- Scissors (optional)
- Hooks (optional)
- Photographs!
I’M USING:
- Recycled Twine (from bringing home my Christmas tree!)
- Mini Glitter Clothes-Pins
- Scissors
- Invisible Command Hooks
- Instax Mini Photograph
STEP ONE:
Cut your string! I like to use smaller length strands, so that I can create a scalloped or banner effect when hanging them together.
STEP TWO:
Grab the specific photos you want to put on each strand, and simply clip them on with the pins of your choosing! I have multiple colors, and for this strand I decided to alternate between white and red clips. Be creative!
STEP THREE:
Hang them wherever and however you’d like! I put mine up in my little art studio using the Command Hooks mentioned earlier.
AND THAT’S IT!
The next two methods are very similar, and just as easy and fast as the first!
Clip Things Close To Your Heart…
THING YOU WILL NEED:
- Scissors
- Clips
- Magnets
- Glue
- Photographs
I’M USING:
- Scissors
- Mini Glitter Clothes-Pins
- Self-Adhesive Magnet Strips
- Hot Glue (with gun)
- Instax Mini Photographs
STEP ONE:
Grab your magnets, clips, and glue! The magnet strips shown here are self-adhesive, which we will take advantage of later, but because we’re putting them on these glittery clips, that won’t be enough. (I had quite a few frustrations with my first attempts, they kept breaking off and all of my pictures were falling down!)
STEP TWO:
Cut a piece of the magnet strip to size, or if your magentas are pre-cut, simply glue it on to the back of your clip!
(Pro Tip: Make sure you’re placing your magnet where the metal clasp of the pin is. If it’s too high or low, the weight will drag the pin down once you try to hang it up.)
STEP THREE:
This step is literally so easy I wasn’t even sure I should mention it, but once your glue has dried, clip them onto the photos you’d like to hang, and put them up wherever you want!
AND THAT’S IT!
The last and final method is the easiest of them all.
Floating Photographs…
Grab the same materials you’ve already got out, but don’t worry about the pins/glue this time!
STEP ONE:
Cut a piece of your magnet, or not, if your magnets are pre-cut!
STEP TWO:
Remove the self-adhesive strip from the back of your magnet! Then, carefully apply it to the bottom of your photo, as shown, if it’s a Polaroid-style, or somewhere centered on the top portion for regular printed photographs!
(Note: This method only works with the sticker-type magnets, as using any other type of adhesive on the back of a photograph would ruin it!)
STEP THREE:
Hang up your “Floating Photographs” and enjoy!
AND THAT’S IT!
I hope you liked these fun little DIYs, and thank you for reading! If you recreate any of these projects, please don’t hesitate to share them with us!