For this project, I was inspired by Philadelphia. I live in a city so full of American history, and everyone loves to celebrate the Fourth of July here! Fireworks fill the city skies, and people go all out. This year, I wanted to decorate my home with an alternative to the normal red, white and blue color pallet and use some of the old photos I’ve collected from flea markets. These little works can be enjoyed as wall art or can make a great night light. You could also make fun Independence Day greeting cards using the same techniques! — Halligan
See the full how-to after the jump!
- old photos with as much sky as possible
- scanner and printer
- paint
- small brush
- gold leaf and gold-leaf adhesive
- deep frame
- light-proof tape
- short string of twinkle lights
- glue stick
7. Add the back of your frame. I used an IKEA frame with enough room for the cord; however, you may need to cut a hole to enable the cord to get out. Run your light-proof tape along all four sides of the frame’s back.
8. Enjoy your new artwork with the lights on or off! Happy Fourth of July!
27 Comments
Eek! Cutest thing of the day and it’s not even noon yet!
Love this! Thanks for great instructions.
Darlin idea. Love it!!
nice art project for kids too
this is so very lovely!
i love the effects at night, so pretty with the light.
Pretty! But maybe if you’re going to have this for more than a night, skip the lights in the back. Fire hazard!
this is fab! This gives me an idea for so many projects!
laura
is it really? we’re using the same types of bulbs you’d use on a lightbright toy, which has a paper front and doesn’t catch fire…
grace
my gosh what a neat way to spice up a photograph! Using thread is one of the coolest things I’ve seen lately. I’m going to look through my photographs to try this out:)
Wow. This is such a creative idea! I’m totally inspired. :)
so creative Genious!
LED lights might be okay inside the frame because they don’t get too hot, but I wouldn’t use regular incandescent Christmas lights, those will start a fire. I’d still put a few holes in the back to let out the heat.
Amazing! I absolutely love this idea!
i think its awesome!
my husband is an electrician and a wiring technician, christmas lights are perfectly safe unless left unattended on a live or metal tree….. just unplug them before bed. everyone on d*s needs to stop freaking out and commenting about fire hazards on every single post with a strand of lights :( lovely idea, I’m going to do this tonight :)
So, celebrating American independance day wit a photo of Sidmouth in England. Nice!
I love that you’ve managed to find a bit of British history in an American flea market. The seaside town pictured is Sidmouth in Devon, England. It’s such a pretty town and very little has changed since that photo was taken!
I love this technique, thanks!
Design*Sponge please STOP inspiring me! Family, friends, work suffering. All furniture has been painted turquoise, yellow, red. I’m now stalking Goodwill. Craft Hoarders Show on phone asking for interview…and now pictures that light up?!? I am in Heaven.
Love this idea! Great for DIYers..I’m a huge fan of vintage photography and have some in my home. Can look classic or modern, depending on what wall it’s hanging on…
I am so intrigued by the lights. Its so awesome! I will be making fireworks on my photos, but am not sure if I will get the lights into them. If I make any I will post them to my blog and link back to you. Thanks so much!
After you fit the picture to your frame, what kind of paper did you print it on?
Amy, I just printed on a nice matte laser printer paper. :)
so sweet and clever. I see no reason why I can’t add these little bursts of firework happiness to my year-round photos. love it.
So perfect! What a wonderful night light idea. This is a spectacular craft! Thank you for sharing!
oh I love that fireworks. Such an easy DIY that I think my daughter will soon enjoy
I want to create a wall of lighted fireworks for my daughter’s room. Any advice on how to do this?
Leave a Comment