“PHOTO COLLAGE” (OUR STORY IN PICTURES)

Capture the beauty of your cherished moments with this aesthetic photo frame, crafted to complement every memory. Creating an aesthetic photo frame is a wonderful way to showcase your favorite memories in style. Whether you're crafting a unique piece for your home or giving a thoughtful gift. This guide will help you explore different materials, designs, and techniques to create a collage that not only complements your decor but also reflects your personal style. Let's dive into the creative process and bring your vision to life!

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Supplies

1. Simple photo frame.
2. Two A4 size paper.
3. AI generated animated photos (you can use your photos).
4. Two table spoon coffee and three table spoon of water.
5. Paint brush.
6. A black piece of paper.
7. Colourful note pads.
8. Lighter / match box.
9. Glue stick.
10. Dairy milk silk paper.
11. Whitener.
12. Red pen and Black pen.
13. Some fresh flowers (Optional).

Step 1: Customize AI Generated Photos or Any Other Photos You Want to Use:

1. Choose any AI-generated website (I use AI anime generator) and write your description about photo you want and generate the photo (you can use any other photos).
2. Print the photos from any color printer.

Step 2: . Shading the Paper With Coffee:

1. Boil some water and pour it into a bowl.
2. Add about 2-3 table spoon of ground or instant coffee into the hot water, depending on how dark you want the stain to be. Let it steep until the coffee is fully dissolved.
3. Lay the white paper flat on the surface.
4. Dip a brush into the coffee mixture and gently apply it to the paper.
5. For a darker effect, apply multiple layers, letting each layer dry before adding the next one.
6. Place the paper on a flat surface lined with paper towels and let it dry completely. This can take a few hours.

Step 3: . Making Elements for Photo Collage:

1. Take small piece of black paper, and cut it into four small size squire.
2. Take green paper and cut it into four small size squire.
3. Write all four digits of the letter L.O.V.E. on to four separate cutouts of green paper and paste it into four separate black paper.

Step 4: . Burning the Edges of Coffee Paper and Silk Paper:

1. Place the paper on a metal tray, sink, or another non-flammable surface. This will ensure that any dropped embers or flames don't cause fire.
2. Hold the paper using your fingers or tweezers (for more control).
3. Use a lighter or a match to carefully burn the corners / edges of the paper. Let the flame just catch the edges, then quickly blow it out before it spreads too far.
4. The flame naturally moves across the edges; when you have the desired burn pattern, blow it out.
5. To achieve a variety of effects, let some areas burn a little more than others. If you prefer a more warn look, allow the paper to burn inwards slightly before extinguishing.
6. Allow the paper to cool down completely before handling further.
7. Now, your brown coffee-stained paper with burnt edges is ready.
8. Do this same process for dairy milk silk wrapper and use as aesthetic decoration for photo collage (I use dairy milk silk wrapper which is given by my special one).

Step 5: Paste the Coffee and Silk Burn Paper Into the White A4 Size Base Paper:

1. For more neat look, trim any edges of the burn coffee and silk paper to get the desired shape before pasting it into white base paper.
2. Rub the glow stick evenly across the back of the burnt paper.
3. Carefully position the burnt paper onto the white base paper. Ensure it aligned as you want it to because it’s harder to adjust once it’s pasted.
4. Press down gently to adhere.
5. Allow the glow paper to dry completely for clean finish. You may want to place something heavy on top of it while it dries to keep it flat and prevent curling.

Step 6: Writing Overwhelming Quotes on Burnt Coffee Paper:

1. Start writing your quotes gently to avoid tearing the paper, especially around the burnt areas that may be fragile.
2. Allow the ink to dry fully to prevent smudging.

Step 7: Paste Your AI Photos or Any Other Photos Onto the White Base Paper:

1. Rub the glow stick evenly across the back of the photos and paste it onto white base paper ensure it aligned as you want it to because it’s harder to adjust once it’s pasted.
2. You can paste the photos in different alignments.

Step 8: Love Quotes on the Note Pads:

1. Use green note pad and write “I Love You Forever” and paste it onto the right sides of the same white base paper.

Step 9: Paste That Element Onto the Base White Paper:

1. Paste that four-digit L O V E onto the middle of the base white paper.

Step 10: . Pressing Flower Petals Onto White Base Paper:

1. Apply a small amount of glow to the back of each petal using a glow stick.
2. Carefully place the glued side of the petal onto the white paper.
3. Allow the petals to dry completely. If you are worried about the petals curling up, you can place parchment paper over them and put a book on top for a few hours.

Step 11: Use Note Pads Onto the Blank Space:

1. Use different color note pads and write love quotes or desired message you want to write and place down onto the white base paper.

"As you place your cherished memories within this frame, let it serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in your journey. Each photo captures a moment, a feeling, and a story that adds color to your life. May this frame not only hold images but also inspire warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging in your space. Surround yourself with what you love, and let these memories shine."