Your fun in the sun can be a year-round memory, thanks to fun photographs and a crafty shell picture frame party favor.
In an age of digital cameras and in-home color photo printers, the best memento to give your guests may be a picture frame with a photograph taken at the party. Snap a group photo early in the party, print the pictures, slip them in frames you've made beforehand, and the party favors are ready for you to pass out as your guests leave.
A shell picture frame, decorated with seashells and sand, is easy enough for the least crafty party host, but is a charming way to present a framed photograph as a party favor.
Shell picture frame party favors are perfect for beach theme parties, Hawaiian luau parties, pool parties and any summertime event.
1. Start with plain picture frames
It's easy to turn a store-bought picture frame into a handmade, personalized party favor. For as little as US$1 each, you can find plain wooden picture frames to fit the photograph size you want. Choose either a 4-by-6-inch or 5-by-7-inch frame and be sure it has a wide enough framing to hold the items you're gluing on.
2. Gather up seashells
Remember that last beach vacation and the bag of shells you carted home? They're probably still in the bag, in the basement or garage gathering dust. Put them to good use by adding them to personalized picture frames.
Pick out unbroken small and medium shells of varying colors, shapes and types. Divide the shells among the number of picture frames so that each frame has the shells you want for design you choose.
If you're short on seashells, picture-perfect shells are sold by the bag in craft departments and stores. You can also add metal charms in starfish, flip-flops, and other beach designs.
3. Design your shell picture frames
Lay out the shells on the frame before gluing them down, so you can plan the look of each frame. You can cover all four sides of the entire frame with shells or you can create a little corner gathering of shells in a bottom corner.
It's okay to allow the shells to extend up over the glass, as long as the shell design doesn't block an important part of the photograph. Be sure not to let the shells extend down past the bottom of the frame. The frame should be able to stand on its own without being impeded by the shells.
4. Glue the shells to the frame
Using a hot glue gun, start attaching the shells to the frame. Throughout the gluing process, stand the frame up to be sure the shells aren't extending down too far.
5. Add sand for an optional added touch
If you really want to bring back some beach memories, sprinkle some playground sand or real beach sand on the shells and parts of the framing.
Use spray glue (Elmer's makes spray adhesive, and Craft Bond and 3M also makes good quality spray glue) to carefully spray glue onto the selected areas you want to sprinkle sand. Try to spray close to the area. While glue is still wet, sprinkle sand on and press gently down. Shake off excess sand. Allow to dry for 12-24 hours.
If glue gets on the glass of your picture frame, use a small dab of Goo Gone and rub with a paper towel to remove. Wipe with Windex.
Related Articles:
Make a Splash With a Kids' Pool Party
Go Hawaiian With a Luau
Beach Party Favor Ideas
Hawaiian Luau Party Favors
More Party Favor Articles:
Dinner Party Favors
Beach Party Favor Ideas
Hawaiian Luau Party Favors
Family Reunion Favors, Mementos and Gifts
Kids' Hollywood Movie Theme Party Favors
Chinese Party Favors
Halloween Party Favors
Thanksgiving Dinner Party Favors
