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January 20, 2020

Photo collage letters {fun way to decorate with pictures}

In today’s post: Learn how to create photo letters: a photo collage on large paper mache letters. This easy craft is a great way to display your favorite pictures.

I’ve said it before, but boy, if I could freeze time right now I would! Our five kids range in age from 7 to 16 and I seriously don’t want any of them to get a day older. Anyone else feeling the same way?

We had a great family photo shoot done last summer and ended up with way too many fabulous photos to frame (yay!), so I knew I needed a way to display lots of favorite pictures all together.

Paper mache letters covered with photos using Mod Podge

So I made photo collage letters and I love how they look up on the new shelves in my family room!

Paper mache letters that spell \"love\" covered in photos

Seriously, love them! The best part is that making these photo letters is super easy! It would be a great craft night project.

Paper mache letters \"LOVE\" that are covered in photos

How to make photo letters

Watch this video for a quick overview of the process, and then find written instructions for photo collage letters below.

Photo collage letter supplies

You will need:

  • Paper mache letters: I used 12 inch letters found at JoAnn’s
  • Mod Podge
  • Craft paint + foam paintbrushes
  • Sandpaper if desired
  • Poly Spray Sealant if desired
  • 4×6 photos: most letters will take 5-7 photos but print extras to have options

Supplies: paper trimmer, Mod podge, paper mache letter, photos, scissors, foam paint brush, pencil

The first step is to paint the sides and backs of your paper mache letters. I used inexpensive acrylic craft paint. You could also use spray paint if you wish. Allow paint to dry.

Paper mache letter, acrylic paint, foam paintbrush

Next, lay out photos on top of each letter and determine which photos you want to go where. Snap a picture with your phone that you can refer to as you start adhering photos.

Photos laid out over a large paper mache letter

Start with the first photo and place it where you’d like it to go. You can use a paintbrush to dab a bit of mod podge on the photo and stick it to the letter. Then flip the letter over and trace around it on the back of the picture.

Hand using a pencil to trace around the edge of a paper mache letter on the back of a photo

Turn the letter back over and remove the photo. Cut along the traced lines.

Hand holding large paper mache letter and photo that has been trimmed to fit

Place the picture back down on your letter and grab your next photo. Determine if you need to trim any portion of the first photo to make room for the second picture (I cut about an inch off the bottom of the picture I’m holding above).

NOTE: I trimmed each photo so none of the pictures on my letter would overlap. That made the project take a little bit longer. If you aren’t quite so picky you can just overlap your photos to save time.

Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the letter where the picture is going to go.

Hand using a small foam paintbrush to spread Mod Podge on the paper mache letter

Place the photo down on the Mod Podge and gently press it down. Keep a paper towel handy to wipe off any excess Mod Podge.

Repeat with more photos until your letter is completely covered. Keep your fingers clean as you work and try not to smear Mod Podge over the photos.

Photos glued down on the paper mache letter

Optional: Use fine grit sandpaper to gently sand the edges of your photo letter to even up the places where two photos meet.

Hand sanding the edges of the photos

Finally, seal your photo collage letter with another layer of Mod Podge or Poly Sealant Spray. If using Mod Podge, just brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface. It will go on white and dry clear. However, it will show brushstrokes. If this bothers you, use a matte Sealant Spray instead (this is what I did).

Two large paper mache letters covered in photos  Closeup of a paper mache letter covered in photos        Paper mache letters that spell the word LOVE covered in photos on a shelf

If you make any photo letters, I’d love to see a picture of them!

Like photo projects? Check out these posts:

How to make a glass photo block

DIY photo pallet – how to transfer a photo to wood using mod podge

The biggest list of DIY photo crafts

How to transfer a photo to wood using tattoo paper

20 photo gifts you can make

Collage: paper mache letters covered with photos, supplies for making photo letters

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Home » crafts » handmade gifts » Photo collage letters {fun way to decorate with pictures}


25 Comments

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Comments

  1. Linda Melton says

    February 7, 2018 at 1:55 pm

    Can you tell me where I can get the letters LOVE and for how much cost and to ship.

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      February 7, 2018 at 4:58 pm

      Linda, I would recommend a craft store like Michael’s or Craft Warehouse, or Hobby Lobby. Not sure if you have these stores in your area so check with your local craft store and they will most likely have them in stock. Good luck.

      Teresa 🙂

      Reply
    • autumn says

      February 9, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      You can find them online at joann.com – good luck!

      Reply
    • Kathleen Kempen says

      September 2, 2018 at 9:47 pm

      I got mine from Joanne Fabrics.

      Reply
    • Veronica says

      October 23, 2018 at 3:16 am

      Where can I get the LOVE letters you used please.

      Reply
    • Kenisha says

      February 20, 2019 at 5:32 pm

      Hobby lobby has the letters. They are paper mache letters

      Reply
  2. Regina says

    February 20, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    So cute! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  3. zoey says

    March 1, 2018 at 9:15 am

    This is very cute. I’m going to try this for my big brother phillip. where can you get the mod podge?

    Reply
  4. Donna says

    March 10, 2018 at 9:46 pm

    The hardest part was choosing the right photograph. Once that was done, it turned out beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Kelle says

    April 2, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    Hi, such a cute idea. Do you use regular photos on photo paper or do you print them off? Does it matter?

    Reply
  6. Karen says

    April 14, 2018 at 9:31 pm

    I love this project. It’s so neat. You could go anywhere with this. You could do a name and put pictures. You could use your and your spouse’s initials and do a collage of pictures taken together. My mine is racing with ideas. I love pictures. This would make a great gift for any occasion. Thanks for sharing this. I’m sharing this with my friends.

    Reply
  7. Nikki says

    May 7, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    I did this for a mother’s day project instead of letters I used a heart. It was a bit more challenging then expected but I love the way it turned out!!!

    Reply
  8. Danielle Evans says

    June 28, 2018 at 10:04 am

    WHAT kind of photo works best? Photo paper, or the photos printed on paper?

    Reply
  9. Splash Of Joy says

    June 29, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    Thank you for sharing this! I made this as a house warming gift and I’m so stoked it it! Used neon yellow paint and black and white photos! Turned out so awesome!

    Reply
  10. Patty says

    July 6, 2018 at 6:47 pm

    I have finished this project with the exception of the sealant spray. Do you spray front, back, and sides of the letters?
    Thanks.

    Reply
  11. Becky says

    September 25, 2018 at 1:03 am

    I just love this project! Thank you SO much for being kind enough to share it!

    Reply
  12. Maria M. says

    September 26, 2018 at 9:11 am

    Love the photo idea. Setting up “MANGIA” in 6” letters on a shelf in my kitchen. Going to use photos of our trip to Italy. Can’t wait to pick the photos and get started. Thanks.

    Reply
  13. Mandy says

    November 15, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    Will Krylon all spray adhesive all purpose sealant work to spray at the end of project

    Reply
  14. Mela says

    July 17, 2020 at 11:03 pm

    Hi I am a newbie and love the projects you hit the spot this time with using real photos I have wanted to know how to do that forever. I am bedridden so I am rather limited to what I can do. I also do numerous projects art is my life always has been. Thanks
    For the amazing ideas.

    Reply

Trackbacks

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I'm Autumn, a mom of five who loves ice cream, Masterpiece Theatre, and clothes that hide the fact that I eat so much ice cream. When I was 18 I got a job at a craft store and told everyone (regularly) how much I hated crafts. Well, things change! Read More…

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