I love a series of photos like everyone else, but I also think they can be quickly overdone. I think the key to a good collage is to find balance in size, use different textures, and implementing objects to break of the monotony of them.
For me, the use of quotes or phrases that apply to us is key. It’s important to me not to find anything cliche, but something that is meaningful to our family.
Another favorite of mine is using my kids’ artwork. I think it keeps the eye from being overwhelmed by photos, and it adds some interest. That hand that my son drew has been quite a conversation piece among guests!
If you have the space, I think wall shelves are an excellent means of showing off collages. It allows you to add some depth and perhaps some personal objects.
My dad passed away, but I am reminded of him through more than photos. A postcard I bought in Colorado at my brother’s wedding reminds of some personal things my dad and I talked about at my wedding. And I framed a letter he wrote to me on the day I graduated from college. I was reading it so much, it was getting worn. 🙂
My favorite for collage inspiration is Pottery Barn. Their collage person deserves a raise!
If you haven’t seen this already, you must see what Lauren did to her entry. I don’t know that I could have visualized this, but it’s brilliant!
Also, Layla wrote a great post yesterday on the use of old vs. new frames. I love it. Go read!
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Hey lady, whatcha doing posting so early? I think the letter from your dad framed is brilliant. I'm already thinking in that direction myself and just ordered a canvas photo of my me & my dad to place on my collage wall. Great tips. And yes, I can see why the raised "fight the power-esque" fist that J drew would be a fantastic conversation piece. He's quite the budding aritst!
Never thought of putting a letter in a frame! Brilliant! I've been keeping a letter from my mother 'safe' in a blanket chest when I could be enjoying it on my wall!
I am a new follower, and it feels like fate that you posted this right when I started reading your blog! I have a giant empty wall in my living room that makes me sad, but was scared of how to tackle any sort of collage. This is perfect!! Thanks!
Love this post. I really, really love the shelf that you dedicated to your Dad! So sweet & a great way to pay tribute to a loved one!
I love, love, love the Pottery Barn inspiration photos too! 🙂
I love this, Chris! I had a great collage of family pictures, a sketch my Mom did of me when I was 16, special certificates the kids got at school in a really long hallway we have in our house. I took it all down to "de-personalize" when we first put it on the market. I have plans to put something similar on a smaller scale together when we move {if that ever happens}.
I have the same shelves set up in the same way as yours in my upstairs hall! My favorite thing to see as I'm going up the stairs.
There is nothing better than photo collages… and you're right, Pottery Barn collages are pure genius!
What a co-inky-dink, I was just looking around for photo wall ideas for my entry. You are quickly becoming my go-to girl for everything!
I love this!! All of these collages are great. Thanks for the ideas!
Oh I love them all!!!!! I'm actually in the process of framing everything that isn't already and getting them up on the walls.
I am featuring this blog posting on my blog http://www.creativephotoideas.blogspot.com
Thanks for the inspiration!
Cool nifty ideas. the entry way is way cool, she must have a very tall ladder!
Melinda
I agree, Pottery Barn does have the best collages. I have used their ideas many times.
I just love how you have displayed all of your beautiful frames photos and keepsakes. The letter from your Dad is so precious.
Laurens entryway is fantastic.
Sissie
A great way to display family photos without them being overwhelming. I agree about the shelves. I like that you can change the display without nail holes in the wall.
I have an art wall going down the hallway into our master bedroom. I also did what you did and framed a poem my son wrote when he was little. I love what you have done.
I love collage photos. Never thought of putting art work or letters in there. Thanks for the great idea.
I love wall collages, they're happy and meaningful (well, good collages are meaningful. Neat post.
Hey, wanna help a girl out with some paint color choices??????? I need help with my bathroom post. Any help is wanted and much appreciated. thanks
Love the post, I just finished a post on frames. Check out these square beadboard frames I made.
Great post! I loved the quotes! I also loved Layla post too! She is amazing!
xx-Gina
I really love all of those photos. All of them. They made me happy. Thank you!
I am at this crossroads too. I have a wall of pictures/oils/you name it in the lR which I am planning on repainting…and well you know what happens after that…
Nice inspiration!
Love your collages…and of course Pottery Barns too!
I love the idea of the framed letter from your dad!
This all looks so great! 🙂
I love the collage, especially your idea of adding momentos. I have a fabulous wall going up my staircase (inspired by Pottery Barn of course) The momentos may be just the thing I am missing.
Havn't been over in a coons age! love the new look! cherry
Love all these ideas, I'm going to bookmark this page. I have a wall that needs a major photo redo! Love how you incorporated your dads note, I too lost my dad and love that idea! Thank you!
Kristin
I love the idea of a collage wall – but I have not enough room for frames (at least not where I want them). So here is my solution:
http://brownthumbtogreen.blogspot.com/2010/01/picure-picture-wheres-my-picture.html
This is just what I was looking for. We have so many photos in frames and when we move, I want an organized way to put them together. You've posted some great options here. Thanks!
Someone told me my canopy was over here! Thank you so much for the feature. 🙂 I have been looking around your blog for a while and I just love it.
I love your decorating style. I have to ask, where did you find the "&"?
your blog is a lovely one. am excited to dive into your home decor archives. so delicious.