Keepsake Art
By Janet Poelsma
30 Jul 2007
Ever wish you could display an entire photo shoot on a mantel, desk, or even carry it in your purse? Struggle to choose just the right photo to display ending up settling for one when you really loved them all. With the ability to photograph beautiful people, places and things at a moments notice, some of us possess the ability to allow our clients a choice. Give them an opportunity to see our art in different ways.
I started gifting my client, friends and family members with "tokens" of their photo shoots. I just couldn't stand seeing their beautiful images go to waste in a box in the attic, collecting dust. I wanted them to proudly see the beauty in the lives around them, and at times take it with them. They responded to this in an amazing feelings of gratefulness. I hear from them each time we speak as to how their friends and family love what I have created for them.
Traditional photo album will do this for most people. But I am an artist. An artist and a photographer that has learn to meld the two arts into each other in unique ways. With the aid of the scrapbooking community and craft world I create small books, art albums, wall art canvas's, lamps, keepsake memory boxes and plaque memories. These items seem to be more cherished than the shoots photos themselves. Not just because they are complete surprises to them, the client can view, touch and feel the images on them without pulling out an album, or sifting through a box. They can transport most, show them to friends, take them with them on business trips to remind them of the ones they have left at home waiting for their return.
Scrapbooking supplies can be found in most craft stores and have their own store front shops in little strip malls across America or on-line stores if you search. The supplies are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. All the products are archival safe and wont harm or age the photos. With a little paper, ribbon, paint, inks, some stickers and rub-ons, and an artistic imagination, you can also create these loved keepsakes.
1. Visit your local craft store for supplies.
2. Paint your keepsake vessel.
3. Use your creative ability, papers, stickers and adhesives to create your piece.
So just take the time to experiment with your photos. Use them to enhance your life and the life of you friends, family and clients, not their storage closet. And besides, I thoroughly enjoy every minute of creating them!
