Photo Collage Frames -- How to Be Creative With Them

The word “collage” itself evokes a sense of artistry, for good reason. The word, after all, is defined as using different kinds of materials and mounting them to a surface in order to create an artful masterpiece. In the case of collage frames, it is quite simply a type of picture frame where you can put in more than one picture.

There several types of photo collage frames – some are an extended version of the classic picture frame while others are thematic and look more striking. In any case, with a collage photo frame your pictures definitely become more appealing. Perhaps the most popular of these picture frames is the baby collage frame, which is not really surprising since most parents love to take pictures of their children. A typical metal frame would have some cute bas-relief sculptures of baby symbols, while the resin or acrylic ones would include pastel baby colors and designs. Another popular theme group is family picture frames, although these tend to look more classical, sometimes with only the inscription “Family” to distinguish them. Other easy-to-assemble themes include weddings or other family events, sports pictures commemorating a favorite athlete or season or vacation photos.

But a greater number of collage frames work magically like blank canvasses – and you can be creative with them. Large photo collage frames can be treated like an installation piece. Wall photo collage frames, such as hinged picture frames or magnetic collage picture frames, can work like a piece of artwork on your wall. Custom poster frames, on the other hand, can give your enlarged pictures the look of movie posters. These all come in different materials – some are made of wood, others made of metal or acrylic.

So, what does it mean to be creative with picture frames?

One way to be creative and personalize the frames is to paint over the picture frame, adding touches or color or design, but this is realistic only for those already experienced in working with art materials and with a specific design focus. For the rest of us, the safest way to be creative is brainstorm the kind of pictures that you want to show off and where you want to put them. Are you putting in your vacation pictures? Selecting a theme will definitely help narrow down your choice and give an overall more pleasing effect. A few may get by with a theme that consists of favorite unrelated photos, but this will be more difficult to pull off effectively. The next thing to consider is: what kind of picture frame is appropriate? Ideally, the predominant colors in the pictures and of the frame should complement the color of your wall. Of course, you could always repaint the wall if the colors clash too much!

A distinguishing mark of collages is that the pictures can often vary in size. There are frames that have spaces for two big pictures and several smaller pictures, although some have up to nine spaces equal in size. Some arrangements will feature a central large photo surrounded by multiple smaller ones, a good way to feature a progression such as a child’s development through school. When you have selected your pictures, lay them against the spaces and crop the photos to fit the openings. When you’re done, of course you show it off to general acclaim.

Considered against traditional picture frames, collage frames look by far more artistic. They provide an easy way to make a big splash by displaying combinations that would be hard to achieve with separate frames, especially in limited space. Some may be so decorative as to provide a focal point for a whole wall or can be used to define one area of a room.