By Vickie Williamson, Custom Framer and Interior Designer
Where are your old photos? Are they stored under a bed or high up in a closet? Maybe they’re even in the attic or the basement where heat and humidity are adversely affecting the very paper on which your memories are stored.here are your old family photos? Are they stored under a bed or high up in a closet? Maybe they’re even in theWhere are your old family photos? Are they stored under a bed or high up in a closet?
In any event, it’s time to get them out of storage and up on the wall. I know what you’re thinking: it’s too expensive, or there are just too many to sort through. Don’t panic—you can do this, and I’m going to help.
For starters, take it slow. Just start going through the pile of photos and sort out only your favorites. Then set those aside and put the others away (preferably not in the basement or attic).
Now it’s time to narrow your favorites down to the four you like most. Later you can work up to growing your collection.
Take a close look at the four you’ve chosen. Are they ready for a frame as-is, or do they need some help? Remember, photo restoration doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you have a scanner, scan the photos and make any needed changes that you can on the scanned images to enhance them. If you don’t have a scanner, then try your local printer. Printers often will do this for a reasonable fee.
Then, print the enhanced images on heavy photo stock paper and you’re ready to frame. It’s now time to display them, either in ready-made frames or custom framing. Use conservation matting and glass for framing to help preserve the memories for future generations. Contact a local custom framer for these, as they’re usually not in ready-made frames.
Before you get busy with a hammer, lay out the framed photos on the floor. Arrange and rearrange them in a way that looks appealing to you.
Maintaining a known shape is one of the simplest ways to hang photos displays. Photos courtesy Vickie Williamson
Three Techniques for Arranging Artwork:
- Aim for a shape—triangle, square, rectangle or circle.
- Keep the space between each frame even.
- Line them all up on either the left or the right.
Once you have a design that is pleasing to you, it’s time to start hanging. Entryways, stairways and family rooms are all great places to display photos. Embrace the fact that you are also preserving precious memories.
Prince William resident Vickie Williamson owns Fine Design Custom Framing & Interiors in Woodbridge. Williamson has been working in the fine art, framing and decorating industry for more than 25 years and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Valdosta State University.
