Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 244 Comments

Two Fun Ways To Use Instagram Photos

What’s better than one fast and easy project with family photos? How about thirty. Just kidding. How about two. Cool? Let’s do this. First up, we have Photo Project Numero Uno. We’ve had fun with the little Sherri Conley cards-turned-art that we hung above our sofa in eight Ikea frames two years ago. First with bright paper behind them and then with some textured fabric as the backdrop around a year later…

Living Room2

… but lately we’ve been jonesing for something a little more personal. It all started when Sherry and I were talking about how Instagram seems to capture “real life” better than formal camera pics from a big event. Why? I think because we snap a lot more “day in the life” stuff on Instagram. And when we scroll back through those photos over the last almost-year we’ve been using it, it captures our days in an honest and casual way.

June Stagram Grid

That’s not to say that we don’t treasure pictures of Clara’s party and our wedding and other momentous occasions, but those photos are already represented all over our house (in our hallway frame wall, in our bedroom thanks to an anniversary frame collection, and even in our laundry room by the door). But we don’t have Instagram photos anywhere except for a few on my beloved pegboard in the basement. So we ordered eight more 5 x 5″ Instagram pics from PicPlum (read more on that process here) for our living room frame collection where we can all enjoy ’em.

About a week later these guys showed up. Each picture is just a dollar, so the whole project was $8 total. Well $9.75 when you include the shipping.

Instagram2

Sherry was so excited to yank each frame off the wall and switch out the old photo cards for actual family photos that I think she did it the second they arrived. The cool thing is that Instragram photos have that nice polaroid-ish border around them (at least the filer we use – called Sierra – does), which adds to the whole casual and not-too-stuffy vibe. When it came to picking the photos, we tried to represent each member of our family a few times and toss in a nice mix of things that we like to do. For example, there are a few pictures of Clara, a few more of Burger…

Instagram1

… and a few of us doing things with them together – like swimming at the river or going biking. And you know we get random, so we added a scenic shot that we took of the state fair this year since that’s sort of a family tradition at this point (we go every year).

As for how Sherry adhered them to the fabric, she just used scotch tape since that was what worked for the other prints that we had in there for the last year. So it was easy to peel off the old prints (which we saved just in case we want to use them in another spot someday) and tape up the new ones in their place. They’re slightly larger which is nice, but there’s still lots of negative space around them which is cool since the texture of the fabric and the big white mats are my favorite part.

Instagram5

So there it is. One project with family photos down. And one to go.

Instagram4

Enter Photo Project Two, stage left. It also could be labeled Instagram Project 2, I guess. (We’re more than a little Instagram-happy these days… is there an Instagrammers Anonymous?). I came up with the idea of ordering a few tiny Instagram magnets for Clara’s play fridge a while ago, and we finally got around to doing it.

Stickgrams 3 Final Stickers

We ordered them through StickyGram and Googled around to find a $2.00 discount along with a free shipping code. So instead of spending $15 for nine customized magnets, we spent $12.99 (making them $1.44 each). You could definitely DIY something similar (our approach would be to print the photos at home, glue them to magnet sheets, cut them as cleanly as possible in little squares, and maybe Mod Podge the front to keep them from getting scratched?). Only reason we didn’t attempt it was that we saw a package of magnet sheets at Office Max for something like $15, so it was actually cheaper to order them. But if you want to get your hands on a bunch of them (like for wedding favors or something) I bet it would be cheaper to make them in that instance.

Stickygrams 1 Order Page

It’s hard to tell their size from certain pictures, so here’s a shot of them with a quarter for scale. They’re about two quarters wide by two quarters tall and you can see the nine photos that we ordered somewhat clearly here. The goal when choosing these was just “photos Clara loves the most” which happen to be these nine since she helped us pick them out herself.

Stickygrams 4 Dime For Size

Here they are in action on the fridge. Clara loves pointing out certain ones, like “Look at Burger being silly with his bone in his mouth!” and “Daddy has funny glasses!”

Stickygrams 5 On Fridge 1

In summary, our house got a little more personal thanks to two easy little Instagram-related updates.

Stickygram 6 On Fridge 2

What are you guys framing these days? Is anyone else ordering Insta-magnets? Do you labor over choosing the best photos to frame or print for hours or just quickly act on your first instincts before you can second guess yourself? I’m Team First Instincts. Sherry and I used to over-think things like photo choices, but we realized that the less we belabor them the easier it is to switch them out or update them over time – which keeps the house feeling fresh and “right now” instead of frozen in the past. We’d actually be happier to spend $22 a year ordering updated photos for a few different spots in our house instead of saving that money and staring at the same photos for so long that they become invisible. So that’s my tiny picture tip for any other photo-overthinkers out there. In the words of Sherry: you’re not marrying them, you’re just framing them.

Psst- We announced this week’s lucky freebie winner. Click here for the details.

Comments

  1. kimberly says

    I read the 2-4-6-8 Who Do We Appreciate post, and I’m curious: are you using the picture wire that comes with the frames, or do you attach a sawtooth to hang the frames? I have 4 of these frames waiting in my closet and I’m dreading hanging them with that picture wire… Any tips on how you plot out the holes if you used the picture wire (which is sometimes looser or more taught, depending on how you put the frame together)…does this make sense? Now I’m going to go pull out the papers from the frame so I can plot the location while I wait patiently for your response ;)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We use those wire hanging kits they include. The way we do it is we do our best to measure out all the wires to be the same and put the clips in the same spot. Seems to work (if we need something higher or lower we just tweak the wire). Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  2. Lydia says

    Hi John and Sherry!

    I am an avid reader and lover of your blog… Your Instagram projects look great! After about 4 years of reading your blog, this is my first time actually commenting but wanted to share an awesome company with you…

    My younger brother (who recently graduated from The Ohio State University) launched a start-up company last May on Kickstarter called Snapstagram that prints Instagram photos. You can order rolls of 12 4×4 Instagram prints and have them delivered right to your door. The photo quality is amazing. They also offer The Printbox which is an 8×8 canvas and other IG products like handmade frames. Perfect for displaying your favorite IG photos.

    I just wanted to share another option printing your IG photos. I know that you love to give small businesses some love! I hope that you take some time to check it out :)

    http://snapstagr.am/

    Lydia

    Reply

  3. JSKF says

    Love the StickyGram magnets! We got 4 sheets of them of my husbands awesome Instagram pics and included one magnet in each of our Christmas cards. It was a way to share our lives with people that don’t live near us.

    Check out the great products at http://printstagr.am/. My sister gave away mini-books as favors for her recent wedding and I created a calendar for my husbands brother for a Christmas gift.

    Reply

  9. Amy Beth says

    I’m so sad that you’re talk in Tacoma is in the middle of the work day! Are you doing anything else in the Seattle-area while you’re here??

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry Amy! We just show up when they tell us to. Haha! As for free time, we don’t have much (we have three signings in three days – all in three different cities) so other than getting to eat a meal or two in each place we’re pretty much on planes and in taxis most of the time.

      xo
      s

  10. Alisa says

    Wow!
    We got married … wow… two weeks ago today!
    We prompted a hashtag at our wedding for twitter & Instagram – ajhitched2013

    I spent yesterday figuring out how to download the Instagram pics, and have been thinking about what to do with them! Now I know! Thank you :)

    Reply

  12. Lindsey says

    SOOOOO bummed I’m going to miss you guys in Tacoma tomorrow. Had plans to come, but unfortunately its smack in the middle of toddler naptime. Hope you enjoy Washington!

    Reply

  13. Tia says

    I ordered an insta-magnet and we love it! It looks great on our fridge and will for sure order more =)

    The wall looks great, and what a great idea!

    Reply

  14. Erica says

    So sad you’re not going to get to see much of Tacoma/Seattle. We have some pretty amazing things to do here (even when it’s gray & raining)! Excited to see you tomorrow, lucky me has the day off!!!

    Reply

  15. Rachael says

    I love the things you do for Clara! It makes me have a bit of baby fever just seeing how cute she is, and all the great ideas you have to decorate things just for her. Also, I got your book today in the mail and love it! Esp love tip #180- undress your hardcover books. Coincidence that your book is hardcover with no jacket?? :)

    Reply

  17. Becky says

    Stickygram is the best!!! I gave several sets for christmas gifts and my own set is hanging on our fridge. I was totally tickled by how easy it was to order them, I couldn’t stop!

    PS, love the family pics. I think as long as they are a little ‘artsy’ its fun to hang lots all over the house.

    Reply

  18. Katie Jo says

    Love how it all turned out! I’m an avid picture taker myself, but after watching the inauguration Brian Williams made an interesting point about all of the people taking videos and pictures with their iphones as well as their ipads. This included the people on the inaugural stand taking a pic on their ipad while the president walked right by them. He said something like all of these people are so worried about capturing the moment instead of just living in it. They did not soak in the fact that they were witnessing a moment in history because they were so wrapped up in catching a pic! It made me stop in my track! Pictures are great to capture our memories, but how about just soaking in our memories and the moments? Just food for thought!

    Reply

  19. Lauren says

    Love when people take instagram photos and bring them OUT of their iphone! They really do capture ‘real life’ in a way that plain old normal camera mode just can’t get!! What was like like before filters?! Kidding…:)

    Prinstagram is pretty awesome too for inexpensive and fun ideas for your instagram photos! I’ve had great success using them.

    Reply

  20. Suzanne says

    I hope you have a brilliant time in Seattle & Tacoma! I planned to come down to the event from Seattle tomorrow, but my husband threw out his back, so I’ll be home taking care of him. Have a blast and I hope it goes splendidly!

    Reply

  21. Melissa says

    It is so funny that you posted this as I also framed some things today. I picked up some old cardboard bingo cards from Feathernesters (in Richmond, VA for out-of-towners) and framed them up. The black, white, and gray cards are approximately 5×5 as is the opening of the black with white matted 12×12 frame I used so it was perfect. The cards are an homage to my grandparents. They played bingo almost every night.

    Reply

  22. Misty says

    I have a bit of a strange question for you….

    our couch in our living room sits in front of a window, but there is also a heat register behind the couch off to the left side, therefore we don’t slide the couch right against the wall/window. So I was thinking we could build a slim table to put behind the couch like in your living space….

    question is at what hight? The back of the couch is higher then the window ledge…. we would just basically match the hight of the couch correct? :)

    Reply

  23. Che says

    I envy your photo gallery. How I wish my home has a wide wall like yours, because it is surrounded by sliding glass doors. The only plain wall that I have is on the stairs, but why not, people will notice my family photo gallery.

    Reply

  25. Christina @ Floridays Mom says

    I think I’m one of the few people on this planet not on instagram..I know..whats wrong with me? These pics are so cute and like you said, I love that they are real, fun, natural photos of your family rather professional posed photos. so much more warm and real. I don’t know..you may have just given me some inspiration to check out the gram!

    Reply

  26. Anne Tussing says

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while and LOVE IT!!! I haven’t commented before, but I have to today. You just gave me the OK to keep switching out my pictures. I always feel guilty when I do, but I’d love a more up-to-date look. I was thinking I should go put up some old photos, but no more! I’m taking new ones soon:)

    Reply

  28. Laura Walencik says

    First off, looooooooooove your blog – currently, my new obsession! Keeps me sane while pumping at work! :)

    While searching for a picplum coupon code, I came across Snapstagram — seems to be similar, but even cheaper! $0.50 per print (but you have to order in rolls of 12). Have you used it?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm they’re called Ribba and they’re square and they’re $19 I think. Can’t measure them because we’re away on our book tour right now. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  30. Melissa says

    Lots of take-out places, businesses, etc. hand out those business card sized magnets with their info on them. Those are perfect to use on projects like these. And free! ;)

    Reply

  32. Jen says

    i just LOVE this idea. I am a photographer and I have lots and lots of phone photos/instagram and never know WHAT to do with them. I just take them and then wonder..now what?? so, thanks for sharing this!!

    Reply

  33. Jen says

    I so love these frames, I know you said Ikea but do you know if the exact ones are still available? And that texture beneath works soo well with them. I may have to copy this! (if I can) :)

    Reply

  34. Victoria says

    Clara’s mini-Instagram magnets for her play fridge are some of the cutest things I have ever seen! I especially love when play things are mini-versions of real grown-up things (vs just toys). So cute!

    Reply

  35. Emily says

    Love this idea! Where do you get all your frames?? Both the ones above the couch and the gallery wall in your hallway? (I’ve tried searching through the archives, so sorry if I missed it!)

    Reply

  36. Spenser says

    I stumbled across your blog a few weeks ago and have been really enjoying it, skimming through the archives after work has been inspiring for our future house. It’s also inspired my girlfriend and I to start our own blog about things we are interested in.
    I wish I had kept up with the current posts though, we live in Seattle and it would’ve been cool to meet you guys at the Tacoma Home & Garden Show.
    Keep up the great work!

    Reply

  37. Melissa G says

    random question. When you hang your Ikea frames do you use the little wire thing they include in the package, or do you hammer in nails into the walls on the corners of the frame and hang the frame directly on to those? For the life of me I cannot ever get my wires on my IKEA frames to be equal so it’s really hard for me to hang those frames! talk about stress!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, we try to use the wire whenever we can, and sometimes we’ll put two nails in the wall about 3″ apart so the wire can hook over both of them and hang nice and snug and straight. You can also use poster putty behind it (or 3M command strips) to keep it from getting crooked. Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  39. Kelly says

    What a great idea! I’ve done something similar with photos other people have posted on Flickr, but this has such a personal touch. Pinning it now!

    Reply

  41. laura@printing-instagram says

    Hey, My name is Laura and I have recently just started blogging about tips for displaying printed Instagram photos. I have been doing lots of looking around to find unique ideas and I just want to let you know I love these ideas! I love seeing the crafty ideas that people come up with to display their Instagram photos! thank you for the inspiration and thank you for sharing. I really hope this idea inspires people to print their Instagram photos!

    Reply

  42. Amy says

    I saw this project featured in HGTV magazine and love it. I’m going to do the project in my family room and can’t wait to get started. However, it looked like you changed the frames and the pictures inside from squares to rectangles and I was wondering why? I stood in the IKEA frame section for about 20 minutes trying to decide between the square RIBBA frames and the rectangular frames and then decided to check with you first! Thanks!

    Reply

  44. Emelia says

    Have you used PicPlum recently? I ordered from them almost a month ago and still haven’t received my pictures and I’ve hit dead ends trying to contact them.

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *